Piece by Piece: A Future in Nursing
Most high school juniors are puzzled when asked about career plans. Not so for Mary Greeley Medical Center Patient Care Technician Jessica Blitvich, who, ironically, affirmed her career choice while doing a puzzle.
During her CNA clinicals at Story Medical Senior Care, Jessica sat down with a nursing home resident who “loved chatting everyone’s ear off.” As they worked on a puzzle together, Jessica realized the impact even small moments of connection could have.
“That was what really made me realize just how much of an impact you make on these people,” she says. “Even just sitting down with someone for a couple minutes makes a huge difference to them.”
That experience set her on a path in direct patient care. She first earned her CNA certification through DMACC while attending Ames High School, then joined Mary Greeley as a transporter during her senior year. The role allowed her to see firsthand the range of services and specialties within the hospital.
It didn’t take long for her to find her home.
“I started falling in love with the ER,” she says. “Just how fast-paced it was and the diversity of it.”
Within six months, she transitioned to a Patient Care Technician in the Emergency Department, where she continues to work while completing nursing school at Iowa Central Community College. She maintains a 3.60 grade point average and has been recognized with the Dean’s Award at both Iowa Central and DMACC.
In addition to working in the ER, Jessica has volunteered at the ICCU desk, supports Special Olympics events, and has participated in mass casualty drills—all experiences that have strengthened her commitment to patient care and community service.
Her long-term goal is clear: earn her RN this May, complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Iowa State University, and eventually pursue a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on emergency services and leadership.
Recently, she received the Mary Ann & James R. Black Scholarship, which supports Mary Greeley employees pursuing direct patient care careers with a preference for those connected to emergency services.
Jessica says meeting the Blacks and understanding their heart behind the scholarship made a lasting impression.
“It was just such a genuine, great experience,” she says. “The amount of faith they have in students like me. It was great to see.”
The scholarship has been especially meaningful after unexpected financial challenges during her senior year of high school left her responsible for funding her own education.
“Without the Foundation support, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today,” she says. “Just taking away that financial stress has made a huge impact on me.”
Better training. Stronger support. A clear sense of purpose.
For Jessica, it all started with a puzzle.
And thanks to donor generosity, her future in nursing is coming together piece by piece.
Jim and Mary Ann Black created their scholarship to honor Mary Greeley’s Mobile Intensive Care Services (MICS) following its 2019 Career EMS Service of the Year Award from the Iowa EMS Association. The award recognized MICS’ excellence in safety, education, and patient‑centered care.
To date, eight students have benefited from this scholarship.
Scholarship Applications Now Open
The Mary Greeley Foundation is currently accepting applications for its 2025 scholarship program.
Scholarships are available to:
- Mary Greeley employees pursuing careers in direct patient care
- Nursing students entering their final year
- Students pursuing healthcare-related degrees
- Nurses working toward a BSN
- Graduating Iowa high school seniors entering healthcare fields
Many scholarships give preference to Mary Greeley employees, students demonstrating financial need, leadership, and community involvement.
Jessica Blitvich, a recipient of the Mary Ann & James R. Black Scholarship, says the support is critical.
Apply for a Scholarship
