“As an oncology nurse navigator, I coordinate cancer care as well as provide education and resources to patients. A few years ago, one of my colleagues, an Alliance-represented union member, enrolled in the Ben Hudnall Memorial Trust program and was working on her master’s degree. Ben Hudnall Memorial Trust is one of 3 education trusts backed by the Labor Management Partnership. The Alliance, the Coalition, and Kaiser Permanente negotiated these benefits so members of partnership unions can access education, training, and career advice. I decided to take advantage of this opportunity and received my Master of Science in Nursing degree with a specialty in care coordination in April 2023. I feel very blessed. I had support from Kaiser Permanente, the union, and my leadership team to pursue my professional goal of receiving a graduate degree. The Ben Hudnall Memorial Trust paid for my tuition, books, and time. This experience gave me more than just a better understanding of the health care system and skills to improve my practice, it rejuvenated my nursing soul.”
Kristi V. Goodwin, RN, OFNHP Local 5017 (Northwest)