Nursing student Giavanna Delahunt keeps busy each day to follow in the footsteps of her family at St. Elizabeth’s College of Nursing.

“I have a whole family of nurses, not only from here, so it’s nice," Delahunt said. "So I guess it’s a right of passage in a way."

Earlier this year, St. Elizabeth’s announced a new program to help their students with the costs associated of earning a degree in the health care field. Tuition at the college estimates to be about $6,000 per semester, and St. Elizabeth's is offering to pay it, up to four semesters. In return, the students must commit to working for Mohawk Valley Health System for one year per compensated semester.

If a student attends the college for four semesters, in return they’ll work at the hospital for four years. 

“So it’s a guaranteed job for me as soon as I get out of St. E’s with my RN," Delahunt said. "Second, I want to go to grad school, so this was the best option for me moneywise and I have a guaranteed job, so I’ll be making money as I’m going to grad school.”

Delahunt is doing her nursing program in conjunction with SUNY Polytechnic Institute's program called 1+2+1.

Her first year was classroom-based at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and anticipates her next two years are at St. Elizabeth’s College of Nursing. 

“After my second year at St. E’s, I’ll have my RN," Delahunt said. "My last year at SUNY Poly, I’ll have my BSN.” 

She is still unsure where she wants to go to grad school, but wants to study anesthesia for maternity in administering epidurals. 

“I’ve always been good with kids, at least I think I’ve always been good with kids, and it’s just something I have always wanted to do," Delahunt said. 

Between clinicals at the hospital, lectures, lab and working, it can be a lot to juggle, but Delahunt knows it will pay off in the end.