Tuesday, July 17, 2012 5:48 am

WOODBURY – Tamara Atnip has been awarded a scholarship from the Tennessee Health Care Education Foundation (THCEF) to continue her education and advance her career in long-term care. An employee of Woodbury Health Center, Atnip is pursuing a degree in nursing.

Atnip is one of 21 long-term care employees to receive scholarships totaling almost $21,000. Financial need and commitment to the long-term care industry are the primary criteria for THCEF scholarships. Recipients pledge to work in long-term care for at least one year after the completion of their studies.

“It takes special people with a passion and love for working with the elderly to be successful in the long-term care profession. Investing in the educational pursuits of dedicated employees who want to advance their careers increases employee retention and leads to improved care for the residents,” said Donna Dickerson, THCEF chairman and executive director at Kindred Transitional Care & Rehabilitation – Fairpark inMaryville.

Since 1979, THCEF has addressed the staffing challenges and advanced the standard of care in long-term care facilities by providing financial support to employees who choose to further their education. The foundation is supported by contributions of Tennessee Health Care Association (THCA)/TennesseeCenterfor Assisted Living (TNCAL) members as well as through individual and corporate gifts. THCA/TNCAL is a nonprofit organization whose members include long-term care facilities throughout the state.

For more information about THCEF, contact THCA/TNCAL at P.O. Box 100129,Nashville, TN 37224, (615) 834-6520, or visit www.thca.org.