Beacon Scholar program unites mother and daughter in nursing careers at Beacon Granger Hospital
For Holly Crume, the path to becoming a registered nurse wasn’t a sprint – it was a marathon of dedication, sacrifice and determination.
Her journey in health care began shortly after high school as a medical assistant, driven by a desire to help others. As she progressed through roles as an EMT with Osolo EMS and later as an LPN, Holly’s dream of becoming a registered nurse remained ever-present in her heart.
But like many parents, Holly chose to put her own aspirations on hold, prioritizing her children’s education over her own. “Life happens,” Holly says, without a hint of regret in her voice. That decision would later yield an unexpected and beautiful reward.
When the time finally felt right to pursue her RN degree, Holly discovered the Beacon Scholar program – a initiative that would transform her long-held dream into reality.
“As we all know, nursing school has its own challenges, let alone the cost of any college degree,” Holly says. “With Beacon Scholars, I was able to go to school and work part-time at Beacon Granger Hospital, where all my colleagues not only encouraged me but were also my tutors.”
But among all her supporters, one stood out in particular – her daughter, Payton Grubert, who had already become an RN herself. In a touching twist of fate, both mother and daughter found themselves working together at Beacon Granger Hospital, with Payton becoming her mom’s favorite tutor and biggest cheerleader.
“Working alongside my mom has been the biggest blessing and so much fun,” Payton says. “Whether we had down time at work or a patient to assess, my mom always used her time wisely to learn and apply her knowledge. Her heart is pure and genuine. She made me want to become a nurse myself.”
When Holly walked across the stage at her graduation in May 2023 from Ivy Tech Community College, she felt the presence of her entire family beside her. “We all walked across that stage together,” she says, her words carrying the weight of countless late-night study sessions and early morning shifts.
After passing her boards, Holly transitioned to working in the Emergency Room at Beacon Granger Hospital, where she continues to work alongside her daughter.
The Beacon Scholar program has done more than just provide financial support – it has created a legacy of care that spans generations.
“More employees should really take advantage of the program,” Holly says. “This has really been a great experience and allowed me to achieve my own goals and dreams. The scholarship allowed me to not worry about most of the financial aspects of school and concentrate on studies.”
For Holly, it has allowed her to not only create connections with patients but also share her passion for nursing with her daughter.
“Working alongside my daughter has been a wonderful experience,” Holly says. “What a great way to spend your work day with your daughter – it doesn’t even feel like work.”
Learn more
Beacon Scholars can focus on their studies knowing that all their tuition, books and school fees for Ivy Tech’s Associate of Science in Nursing Program are fully paid by Beacon. Those enrolled in the program can also rest assured knowing they have a full-time bedside RN career waiting for them at Beacon Health System following graduation. Learn more about the program and how you or someone you know can become a Beacon Scholar.
