Bay Bluffs Colleagues Receive LPN Degree, Advancing Healthcare Nursing Careers
At Bay Bluffs – Emmet County Medical Care Facility, we believe in celebrating success, especially when it strengthens our team and benefits the community. On Friday, December 13, 2024, two of our exceptional Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Tracey Lupu and Shannon St. Clair, graduated from the North Central Michigan College (NCMC) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program. Their achievements mark a significant milestone—not just for them personally, but for the healthcare workforce in northern Michigan.
Pioneers of Progress
Lupu and St. Clair are part of the first LPN cohort launched by NCMC in collaboration with Bay Bluffs. Their dedication to caregiving, combined with their commitment as working parents, has set an inspiring example for their colleagues and families. As LPNs, they are poised to provide skilled and compassionate care, working at the top of their practice scope—a unique opportunity that Bay Bluffs offers.
Lupu shared, “This is a later-in-life thing (at age 54), but I’m just enjoying the learning experience. Bay Bluffs gives us the opportunity to balance our work life, our school life, and even our family life…Bay Bluffs is the Cadillac of nursing homes.”
Lupu and St. Clair took the program together, sharing drives from Onaway to attend work and classes. When their schedules didn’t allow for them to drive home after a full day, Bay Bluffs provided a place for them to stay, showing the facility’s unwavering commitment to supporting its team.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Lupu and St. Clair,” shares Jessica Berg, Bay Bluffs Human Resources Director. “Their hard work and determination exemplify the spirit of our team and the values we uphold in providing exceptional care for our residents.”
Building a Stronger Healthcare Community
“The partnership between Bay Bluffs and NCMC addresses a critical need for skilled nursing professionals in the region,” share Bay Bluffs Administrator Lisa Ashley. As the aging population grows, so does the demand for nurses at all levels. “Bay Bluffs plays a key role in this effort by supporting employees like Tracey and Shannon through career development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement and flexible scheduling.”
North Central Michigan College is at the heart of these workforce development efforts, offering a range of healthcare programs to meet regional needs. In addition to the LPN program from which Lupu and St. Clair are graduating, NCMC provides a CNA certification course and Michigan’s first certified Medication Aide Certification program—both taught by Bay Bluffs’ own RNs. These programs, along with a comprehensive RN program and other skilled healthcare training, ensure that aspiring professionals have access to high-quality education and career pathways close to home.
“Our collaboration with NCMC is about more than filling positions at Bay Bluffs,” explains Ashley. “It’s about building workforce capacity for the entire region. Every graduate helps address the overwhelming shortage of healthcare workers, making our community stronger.”
A Bright Future
To the graduating cohort, including Tracey and Shannon: Your community is grateful for your hard work and dedication. As you step into this next chapter of your careers, know that your skills are deeply valued and your contributions will have a lasting impact. For other LPN graduates within their class, “find the workplace that feels like home, and remember, career opportunities in northern Michigan are abundant and rewarding,” Ashley adds.
Congratulations, Tracey and Shannon! You’ve set a high standard, and we’re honored to have you on our team. Your success is a testament to the power of perseverance and the strength of community partnerships.
Interested in joining a workplace that supports your career growth? Visit Bay Bluffs (baybluffs.org/employment) for immediate RN and LPN openings, tuition reimbursement programs, and more. Together, we care for our community—and that includes you.
For more information about employment opportunities, contact Jessica Berg at 231-526-4406 or jberg@baybluffs.org. Find NCMC course information online at ncmich.edu. Bay Bluffs is located on M-119 in Harbor Springs, Michigan.