Ella Hobbs, a senior at Harrison High School, said: “I always knew I wanted to get into healthcare, especially nursing. “So I decided why not start now.”
Since January, Hobbs has worked as a patient care assistant in the acute care unit on the 6th floor (AC6) at IU Health Arnett Hospital.
“As the age at Arnett changed to include high school students, I immediately thought of Ella,” said Susan Appleton, clinical executive director of AC6. “I knew her overall goal was to be a nurse and I knew she would be a perfect fit for AC6.”
On Sunday, June 4, Hobbs will graduate from Harrison School. Along with her high school diploma, she will have her certification as a Medical Assistant (MA). She took MA classes at Greater Lafayette Career Academy last year and passed her certification test on May 17.
Hobbs says of working in healthcare: “I love the impact I can make on other people’s lives. “Helping someone through their most vulnerable state – that’s what healthcare means to me.”
Hobbs trades his active sports life to focus on his future. Participating in sports has taught her time management skills, which will benefit her as she continues to pursue a career in healthcare.
“I’m interested in the medical surgical research field, but I may end up in the operating room or the emergency department,” says Hobbs. “There was such an adrenaline rush in the Emergency Department.”
Appleton said: “Ella has done an excellent job and is transitioning into mentoring new hires. “I am very proud of the work she has done in healthcare – and will continue to do.”
Hobbs plans to work full-time over the summer before she attends nursing school at Ball State University, where she loves the campus and medical facilities. And she will continue with her career at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital while attending Ball State.
When she graduates, it will return to Arnett Hospital.
“I love working at Arnett,” Hobbs said. Everyone here is willing to jump in and help with patient care. It’s a family outside of your family.
