Our Members Say it Best!

Annelie’s Success Story

The biggest roadblock to continued education was balancing this goal with a full-time job. Annelie reflects, “For a long time, I knew I wanted to be a nurse. But I felt like I would not be able to stop working to attend a program, which most nursing programs recommend.” This common challenge affects many healthcare workers, and the Training Fund actively collaborates with our partners to create workable solutions.  

WA state-funded Hospital Employee Education and Training (HEET) grants allow the Training Fund to collaborate with education and employer partners to create programs designed for incumbent workers. HEET funding also helps us provide extra member support resources to cover childcare, transportation, technology, and tutoring. Annelie completed one of these HEET programs and says, “My Training Fund navigator told me about the part-time nursing program at Green River College. It ended up being the perfect fit that allowed me to continue my education while supporting my family.” These HEET programs are vital for meeting healthcare workers where they are and providing the support that they need to succeed. 

While working on the nursing program at Green River, Annelie also had access to a wide variety of Training Fund services. “The Training Fund helped me find a tutor for some of the nursing prerequisite courses that were challenging for me. I ended up doing well in my prerequisites, which made me a strong candidate for nursing programs. I attended a workshop to help me prepare my nursing school application. The Training Fund provided me with a ton of resources to help me prepare for the NCLEX. They even helped me pay for gas to get to my clinicals that were sometimes very far away.” We strive to remove barriers to education and career growth. 

Annelie has overcome challenges through access to resources and inspiration from her family and friends. “My cousin is a Physical Therapist who specializes in women’s health and was a big inspiration for me to further my education. She has supported me the whole way with lots of encouragement. Some of my close friends are nurses, and they also provided a lot of support and motivation, especially when school was very challenging.” The people you have in your corner make a difference! 

At the Training Fund, we know it is not just about providing resources, but also uplifting our members and building connections. Annelie appreciates this and says, “My navigator Melanie has been amazing. The Training Fund has changed my life trajectory in a major way.”  Annelie’s healthcare journey is just beginning. She was recently accepted into the LPN-RN Bridge program at Highline College. Congratulations, we believe in you, Annelie! 

Many obstacles can make going back to school seem impossible, but like Annelie, with the right support you can follow your dreams and accomplish your goals.  

Annelie shares this sentiment, “I would encourage my co-workers who are even thinking about going back to school to talk to the Training Fund. Their financial and practical support with things like applications and resumes has been hugely helpful in furthering my career”. We are here to support you in your educational and career journey.   

Our Members Say it Best!

Reinhardt’s Success Story

It has not always been easy for Reinhardt to connect his past to who he is now, and he confesses to experiencing some amount of imposter syndrome as his future continues to expand. “The opportunities that have been given to me leave me feeling like I am living someone else’s life. When I look back on choices I have made in my life, and how I was before my journey of recovery, this is a road and path that was not on the horizon. ”

“ I know that this is where I am supposed to be, and the challenge is remembering that.”

Despite the challenge, Reinhardt remains driven in his purpose to help others, and it is why he decided to pursue the SUDP Apprenticeship. “I wanted to create opportunities for those seeking help and eliminate the hoops and obstacles. I wanted to collaborate with community partners and provide community wrap-around care to those who are sick. I wanted to identify creative solutions on how to tailor a support program to the person, instead of the person to the program.” The SUDP Apprenticeship allows Reinhardt to grow into this behavioral healthcare pathway while building relationships now and receiving hands-on training and support.  

The SUDP Apprentice program affords Reinhardt the opportunity to experience a diverse range of programs and contexts, including: Men’s Residential, Women’s Residential, Pregnant Parenting Women’s Residential, Withdrawal Management, Intensive Outpatient, Outpatient, Crisis Triage and Stabilization, Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA), Homeless Outreach Stabilization and Transition (HOST), support with walk-in assessments, and Jail Transition Services/Jail Reentry Services with our Therapeutic Courts.  

And Reinhardt is already planning his future career as an SUDP Professional! “I am in the process of proposing an outpatient group that is tailored to our unhoused community members. My goal is to create an outpatient group that will build unity within these communities. I can eliminate obstacles by bringing treatment to them that is tailored to their needs in an equitable way.” With motivation from his parents, a drive for improving systems, and passion for building unity within communities, Reinhardt’s journey is just getting started. 

As Reinhardt reflects on the apprenticeship program, he says, “I don’t wake up wondering what I am doing with my life anymore. The apprenticeship program has given my life purpose.” The SUDP Apprenticeship has enabled Reinhardt to collaborate with clients and build rapport to assist others in making real life changes now. “The Training Fund/HCAC has created an opportunity that has already been changing and saving lives,” says Reinhardt. 

Congratulations, Reinhardt, on your many successes, 10 years in recovery, and all your hard work to improve lives!  

Learn more about the Training Fund’s HCAC Behavioral Healthcare Apprenticeship Programs.  

The Pro/Tech Conference Travel Funding Award application deadline is right around the corner!

Did you know that we provide our Professional and Technical members with up to $1,500 per year (in reimbursements) to attend local and national conferences?*

Apply before March 1 for any conferences that you plan to attend April-June 2024.

Professional and Technical workers also have professional development money available to them.

These benefits enable you to attend conferences, advance your career, and minimize personal out-of-pocket costs.

Here’s how it works:

• Pro/Tech Conference funding can cover the cost of travel (hotel, transportation expenses, etc.) and registration fees.
• Pro/Tech Professional Development benefits can cover the cost of attending a conference, e.g., registration fees.
• Both benefits require members to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

The deadline to apply for a Pro/Tech Conference Travel Funding Award is March 1.**

*Applications must be submitted before the conference.

**For conferences in April-June 2024.

Welcome to our new members at Kaiser Permanente of Washington! We are thrilled to have Social Workers Employee Association, Physical Therapists, and Occupational Therapists join the Training Fund. You will be eligible for our programs and services beginning January 01, 2024.

We offer education and career advancement programs so that you can develop your skills, advance your career, and improve your professional opportunities. After you have been employed by Kaiser Permanente for 90 days you have access to:

• Career and education counseling services
• Educational support services
• Professional Development support

GET STARTED: fill out our online member application.

Professional Development Support

You belong to the Professional/Technical bargaining unit.

Reimbursement up to $300/yr:

• CEUs/Courses
• Specialty Certifications: National Certifications exams or courses/review materials that prepare members for those exams.
• Professional Memberships: Membership in professional organizations that provide access to CEUs as a benefit of membership

FREE access to unlimited CEU courses through HealthStream

Please contact your Training Fund navigator to learn more.

Professional/Technical Conference Funding

As members of the Professional/Technical bargaining unit, you have an additional professional development benefit. Attend a conference relevant to your field! You can apply for up to $1,500 per year to attend professional conferences. Funding can cover costs for conference registration, travel, and hotel. Pre-approval is required and funding is awarded quarterly.

  Tuition Assistance

Members who have already worked at Kaiser Permanente for more than one year may also qualify for Tuition Assistance now!

Tuition Assistance covers tuition, fees, and book costs for a wide variety of healthcare education programs at regional colleges and universities.

We encourage you to contact your Navigator and start working on your education plan.

If you are currently in school and have already been receiving Tuition Reimbursement from your previous Education Fund, you may be able to add Tuition Assistance from the Training Fund. 

To begin the Tuition Assistance process, submit a Member Application form at the link below.

We look forward to serving you as you pursue your education and career goals.

If you have questions or need help applying, please don’t hesitate to call our office (425-255-0315) or email us.

Our friend, Southwest WA Area Health Education Center (AHEC), is offering a FREE 3-hour Practical Application to Comprehensive Treatment of Pain training on the “safe integration of opioids into personalized pain management.” 

FREE

Available to: ANY licensed/certified health sciences provider in Washington state

All completers will receive a certificate of completion from PriMed.

Where: Virtual

When: Asynchronous through October 31st, 2024

The  Practical Approaches to Comprehensive Treatment of Pain program empowers you with the skills to effectively diagnose and treat pain holistically, highlighting both opioid and nonopioid options. You’ll master the safe integration of opioids into personalized pain management, mitigate risks, and identify signs of opioid dependence. Gain the expertise to optimally manage your patients’ pain and medication use to make a positive impact on public health.

Questions? Contact:

Pat Lange, Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Manager

Office: 360-786-9722 ext. 209

Cell: (253) 223-5997

Our Members Say it Best!

Lexi’s Success Story

Since joining the MA Apprenticeship program, Lexi has also had access to supportive services that remove barriers and help her succeed in the program. “Being in this program, I can go to school, work, and get on the job training!! This program has given me the self-confidence and sense of living I lost in Louisiana and made such a positive impact in my life. It’s given me hope that one day I will be an LPN.”  

Supportive services, like laptop lending, are crucial in promoting accessibility and helping students succeed. At the Training Fund, we know that it is about more than just providing services – it is about being in someone’s corner and bringing partners together in community. “I have support from my instructors, mentors, co-workers, and classmates. The program is great for anyone looking to get into the medical field as a Medical Assistant,” says Lexi.   

This is just the beginning for Lexi. “I am now a Registered Medical Assistant. This program is giving me the opportunity to get my certification. I believe this program will be my gateway to achieving my goal to becoming a Licensed Nurse Practitioner.” 

We’re rooting for you, Lexi! 

Connect with the Training Fund to find out how you can achieve your career and education goals!