Angela Perlewitz, a southern Door County native, has always had a passion for nursing, sparked by caring for her grandfather during his illness. 'Seeing how his health impacted him and his last year of life being in a nursing home relying on nurses to care for him made me want to become a nurse,' she recalls. After becoming an LPN in 2016 and working at DCMC, Angela took a break from her academic journey, despite having only a few classes left to complete her Associate Degree in Nursing. However, the SPARC program at DCMC, with its unique opportunities and support, reignited her ambition.

SPARC (Start the Path to a Rewarding Career) is an on-the-job healthcare training initiative designed to assist future healthcare professionals, including Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Registered Nurses (RNs). This program offers financial support and the necessary clinical hours to complete licensure and certification. Through a partnership with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), SPARC combines academic coursework with hands-on clinical training at DCMC, allowing participants to earn their degrees while working and receiving a paycheck. This structure eliminates financial barriers and provides practical experience in a supportive environment.

Initially hesitant, Angela was encouraged by her coworkers to explore the SPARC program. "I ignored the emails and discussions about SPARC, stubbornly thinking I wouldn't go back to school," she says. However, after meeting with the Education Coordinator, Renee Glesner, MSN, RN, she decided to give it a shot. "I discussed it with my husband and family and decided it was now or never," she adds. The SPARC program seamlessly allowed Angela to balance work, school, and family life. "If it weren't for completing my clinicals at DCMC and being paid for my time, I would have never gone back to school," Angela emphasizes.

The academic portion of the SPARC program at NWTC was highly flexible, accommodating Angela's need to attend classes virtually while working full-time. Completing clinical hours at DCMC provided her with invaluable hands-on experience. "My clinical time at DCMC allowed me to witness a total knee replacement, laparoscopic GI surgery, the birth of a child, and so much more," she explains. The financial incentives and the supportive community at DCMC played a crucial role in her success. Angela graduated from the program this spring and is now a proud RN. "Finishing my Associate Degree and becoming an RN has opened the door to many opportunities." She encourages others considering a nursing career to explore the SPARC program, saying, "If you have even an inkling about setting up an appointment, do it!"

To learn more about the SPARC program and how it can help you achieve your nursing dreams, visit DCMC SPARC or call (920) 746-3563 to speak with the Education Coordinator.