The Jill Dreyer Nursing Scholarship was established in 2004. It was created in memory of the late Jill Dreyer by her family and those who worked with her during her time as a registered nurse at Parkview Huntington Hospital. The scholarship is intended for and awarded to Parkview Huntington Hospital nurses working to further their education. The goal is to provide opportunities for individuals like Justin Asher.

A little more about Justin

Initially, Justin wanted to be an electrician. But, with the help of his sister Stephanie, a radiological technician, he was convinced to give nursing a try. Justin started as a nursing assistant then moved on to be a registered nurse for nine years. He has been part of Parkview Huntington Hospital’s nursing supervision corps since 2016 and has taken a lead role in the hospital’s growing “telehealth” efforts.

Justin is one of only two Parkview Huntington nurses to have been awarded the scholarship four times. The scholarship fund, now sustained by the generosity of hospital co-workers and Parkview Huntington Foundation supporters, has helped ease the financial burden of going to school while working full-time and being a husband and father to two young children.

“The scholarship was a true blessing,” Justin expressed. “It helped keep the stress off so we could keep going through such a busy time.”

From his early days at Ivy Tech, working toward his associate degree, to the present day as he finishes his final clinical rotation and acquires his family nurse practitioner certification, Justin’s goal never changed: making the most of every opportunity. With his goal now at hand, he is confident and thankful.

Why we celebrate

Now more than ever is the time to recognize nurses like Justin. National Nurses Week occurs each year beginning on May 6 and ending on May 12, the birthday of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale. This special week recognizes nurses for the work they do while educating the public about the vital role they play in the healthcare industry. Recognizing our nurses and their response to our immediate needs is especially meaningful during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“My journey may not have been typical or the most direct path in becoming a nurse practitioner,” Justin reflected. “However, it’s unique in that I have gained so many valuable experiences in these past 15-plus years that will guide me in helping others. Without the support of my wife Kerri and help from the scholarship, this would not be possible.”

With more than 7,500 nurses at Parkview Health, your gifts of comfort and healing can help provide life-changing training and educational opportunities for Parkview employees like Justin. Visit the Parkview Foundations page to learn more about what you can do in this time of need and how to help recognize nurses.