Strength, Sacrifice, and the Journey to a Nursing Career
INA, Ill. (August 29, 2025) — With the assistance of the PATH Grant, Kaitlyn Worley, a 2025 RLC Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program graduate, has been able to make a major, successful step in the medical field and in her nursing goals.
Worley (right) pictured with Nursing Instructor Zach Hostetter (left) at the 2025 LPN pinning ceremony.
Worley entered the LPN program as a devoted single mother and a hardworking CNA at Home Healthcare, all while holding a second job as a waitress. Despite her demanding schedule, she was already completing her general education prerequisites. Her academic dedication, balanced with the responsibilities of parenthood and two jobs, truly sets her apart.
“It’s been a roller-coaster of a ride. This is a stepping-stone into a lifelong career," said Worley. "Not only did the program teach me the fundamentals, but it also showed me the compassion needed to care for people.”
Worley has always had a passion for healthcare and a deep desire to care for others. While her long-term goal has been to build a career in the medical field, her responsibilities as a single mother required her to delay pursuing that dream. Once her daughter was old enough to attend school, Worley embraced the opportunity to finally focus on her own education. She chose healthcare not only to fulfill a personal goal, but also to create a stable and secure future for herself and her child. For Worley, a career in healthcare means more than just a job, it represents independence, long-term opportunity and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
In the 2024–2025 academic year, Worley decided on the Nursing program at RLC because it was both close to home and financially affordable, which was essential for her as a single mother. She is especially grateful to have received assistance through the PATH grant and ManTraCon which helped cover tuition, gas, scrubs, testing costs and other essentials, relieving financial burden and allowing her to stay focused on her education.
During her time in the Nursing program, Worley received invaluable support that helped her stay focused and succeed. She credits much of her success to her study group, which played a key role in helping her prepare for exams. Worley also found her instructors to be approachable, supportive and available to answer questions and provide clear guidance.
Worley's immediate goal after completing the Nursing program is to transition into a RN position at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. She is currently working there as a nurse extern, gaining valuable hands-on experience and building relationships within the hospital. This opportunity has reinforced her passion for patient care and strengthened her commitment to growing in the field. She is working toward a stable career that supports her family and allows her to continue caring for others.
For more information on the PATH grant, students can learn more by visiting www.rlc.edu/path.
Interested in the nursing programs? Visit rlc.edu/nursing for more information!
