Bay Bluffs – Emmet County Medical Care Facility is proud to celebrate the graduation of three colleagues who completed their Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs on Thursday, December 11 — an achievement that reflects dedication, perseverance and a shared commitment to compassionate care.

Longtime Bay Bluffs team member Jody Haggerty, along with colleagues Julia Sherman and Shaelinn Hickey, successfully completed the LPN program through North Central Michigan College (NCMC). All three balanced coursework, clinicals and flexible work schedules while continuing to provide hands-on care to Bay Bluffs residents.

For Jody, the milestone is especially meaningful. She has been part of the Bay Bluffs family for more than 30 years, serving first as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) and later as an Activity Aide. Her decision to pursue nursing came later in her career — and she didn’t take that journey alone. Jody enrolled in the LPN program alongside her husband, Joe, turning the challenge of nursing school into a shared experience.

Julia Sherman and Shaelinn Hickey, both part-time CNAs at Bay Bluffs, also completed the program while maintaining their roles within the facility. “Their willingness to expand their education reflects a strong commitment to professional growth and to the residents they serve every day,” shares Lisa Ashley, Bay Bluffs Administrator.

All three graduates worked flexible schedules made possible through Bay Bluffs’ ongoing partnership with North Central Michigan College — an essential collaboration focused on strengthening the local healthcare workforce.

“The partnership between Bay Bluffs and NCMC addresses a critical need for skilled nursing professionals in the region,” explains Ashley. “As the aging population grows, so does the demand for nurses at all levels. Supporting employees through flexible scheduling and educational opportunities allows us to invest in our people while strengthening care for our residents.”

NCMC plays a central role in these workforce development efforts, offering a range of healthcare programs designed to meet regional needs. In addition to the LPN program, the college provides CNA certification and Michigan’s first certified Medication Aide Certification program — both taught by Bay Bluffs’ own registered nurses — along with a comprehensive RN program and other healthcare training pathways.

“Our collaboration with NCMC is about more than filling positions at Bay Bluffs,” Ashley adds. “It’s about building workforce capacity for the entire region. Every graduate helps address the ongoing shortage of healthcare workers, making our community stronger.”

Bay Bluffs is especially excited to celebrate Jody and support her next chapter as a nurse, continuing her decades-long legacy of caring for residents.

Interested in joining a workplace that supports your career growth? Visit baybluffs.org/employment to find immediate openings, information about tuition reimbursement programs, housing resources and professional development links.

For more information about employment opportunities, contact Jessica Berg at 231-526-4406 or jb***@*******fs.org. North Central Michigan College course information is available at ncmich.edu. Bay Bluffs is located on M-119 in Harbor Springs, Michigan.

Jody and Joe Haggerty were recently featured in Aspire Magazine, highlighting their shared journey through the LPN program. CLICK to read the article. 

Photography courtesy of North Central Michigan College.