Layla Huffman on Gaining Experience Through BTC’s Work Study

Are you looking for a way to gain practical experience while earning money for your education? Bolivar Technical College’s Federal Work Study (FWS) program offers students the opportunity to do both. To highlight the benefits and insights offered through FWS, we spoke with Layla Huffman, a BTC nursing student that is participating in the program. 

    Layla holds her FWS position at Citizen’s Memorial Hospital (CMH) on the Med/Surg floor. Her role involves various responsibilities that not only complement her nursing studies but also allow her to gain critical practical skills. “I get to help make IV and admission kits, pass out trays, and shadow nurses when I can. I also do some basic patient care tech tasks,” Layla shared, describing her typical daily tasks. 

    Layla started her FWS journey at CMH during the Summer 2024 semester, and she intends to continue participating in the program throughout her time in BTC’s RN cohort. “I already had some medical experience, but this has taught me even more,” she explained. “I’ve learned how to make and set up IV kits the right way and learned about procedures I didn’t even know existed. I’ve also been taught how to take care of patients after different procedures and how to properly clean a room based on why the patient was admitted. Each situation requires different precautions.” 

    For Layla, connecting classroom theory to practical, real-world scenarios has significantly boosted her confidence and skill set as she navigates her first semester in the RN cohort. “FWS has really helped me make connections between what I’m learning in nursing school and the real world,” she emphasized. 

    Layla actively recommends the FWS program to other students because of its flexibility, financial assistance, and career growth potential. “It’s flexible with my class schedule, helps cover some of my bills, and has even led to me getting hired at CMH on the Med/Surg floor. Now, I can do FWS one day and work as an employee the next.” 

BTC’s Federal Work Study program has become a great steppingstone in Layla Huffman’s nursing career, and her positive experience highlights the program’s value for any student looking to merge academic learning with practical workplace experience. If you’re interested in joining the FWS program, visit the Financial Aid office.