Success Story Profile
Cheryl Lynn Manchuck, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Taconic Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO)
TIP: “Be prepared for a lot of hard work and study and it will pay off if you are willing to make the commitment. The support is out there and you should take advantage of it. Set a goal, have a vision, and work hard to achieve it. That definitely makes a difference.”
In the fall of 2008, Cheryl Lynn Manchuck was selected by her agency, Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD), to participate in the Partnership’s LPN Program at Questar III BOCES in Rensselaer County. The LPN program aims to address the critical shortage of nursing staff in state agencies. Students gain a comprehensive overview of the health care system through classroom and clinical instruction at local hospitals and nursing home facilities.
Cheryl successfully completed the LPN program in June 2009, graduating valedictorian of her class. She advanced to the 32nd annual Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) National Leadership Conference and Competition in Nashville, Tennessee after earning top honors at the HOSA state competition. Cheryl competed against more than 6,500 students from across the country. She placed second in the Medical Math category at the state competition and was also a recipient of the Health Occupations Students of America award.
While Cheryl devoted a significant amount of time to her school work, she appreciated the support she received from her husband and daughter who helped with household chores and preparing family meals.
On September 1, 2009, Cheryl was appointed to a LPN position at Taconic DDSO and fulfilled her goal of becoming a nurse. She began her state career six years ago as a Developmental Aide Trainee (Grade 7) and most recently was a Developmental Aide (Grade 9).
Cheryl is extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the LPN program, stating “the Partnership has no idea how much this has meant to me.”
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If you have a story about how you have used the Partnership's programs and services, e-mail: learning@nyscseapartnership.org or call: (518) 486-7814 or 1-800-253-4332.
