The Elk Regional Health System Foundation has awarded the Elk County Diabetes Scholarship to Emery D'Amore, a longtime volunteer at Elk Regional Health Center who is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Edinboro University.
Miss D'Amore has worked as a nutritional aide for the last four years at Pinecrest Manor, Elk Regional's long-term care facility. As part of her duties, she interacts with Pinecrest residents regarding their meal plans. She serves them, clears their empty dishes and washes dishes.
"The experience has been life-changing," Miss D'Amore said. "I've gotten to know many residents over the years by name, and they know me. They have come to trust and depend upon me. The experience has confirmed my desire to pursue a career as a nurse."
In addition to her duties at Pinecrest Manor, Miss D'Amore is part of the Health Tech Prep curriculum, through which she is required to take classes such as Health Careers, Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology. The program allows students to work a "school-to-work" position from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, which Miss D'Amore does in Elk Regional's Radiology Department. There, she is responsible for patient transport, changing and scanning X-ray film, filing and pulling mammograms, burning mammography results onto a CD, visiting in-patients and answering telephones.
"I enjoy the experience," Miss D'Amore said. "I enjoy seeing a variety of patients. The experience has just strengthened my desire to be a nurse. My aunt, Yvonne Dodrill, has been a Registered Nurse at Heritage Valley Hospital for more than 20 years. With her own satisfaction in the field, she inspired me to pursue this career."
Miss D'Amore is a longtime volunteer, having worked at the Boy's and Girl's Club concession stand and having spent two weeks in Kentucky with the Catholic Heart Work Camp in 2008. There, she assisted area residents with home repair and yard work.
"I've always been interested in helping others," Miss D'Amore said. "Becoming a nurse will provide me with joy, enthusiasm, and a career with many personal rewards."
Miss D'Amore is the daughter of Rick and Seanna D'Amore of St. Marys. Her family includes a brother, Richard Jr.; a sister, Kayla; a niece, Jenna and a nephew, Richard III.
About the Elk County Diabetes Scholarship
The $500 scholarship is a result of a generous donation from the Elk County Diabetes Group to the Elk Regional Health System Foundation. It is the goal of Elk Regional's Foundation that the scholarship fund continues the vision of the Elk County Diabetes Group through the awarding of scholarships that provide opportunities for individuals interested in a field that deals with diabetes, such as diabetic educators, or a nursing career.