CHI Saint Joseph Health Academic and Faculty Affairs

Our academic programs are designed to advance medical education, clinical research and professional development, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and innovation.

Our nursing residency program is a one-year program designed to support new nurses during the transition to professional practice. It is part of the CommonSpirit Health National Nurse Residency Program and follows the nationally standardized, evidence-based practice for newly licensed and new-to-practice nurses to transition to practice safely, effectively and efficiently. The program is available across CHI Saint Joseph Health facilities in Kentucky. For more information, email ky.nnrp@commonspirit.org.

Our paid nurse externship program provides nursing students with invaluable hands-on experience through an 8-week summer externship or a flexible PRN opportunity available year-round.

As an extern, you'll work alongside experienced registered nurses at one of our CHI Saint Joseph Health facilities across Kentucky, applying your academic knowledge in a real clinical setting. This opportunity is open to students in the summer before their final year of nursing school, helping bridge the gap between education and practice.

Program objectives

Our nurse extern program strives to help participants:

  • Increase patient care management, organizational and time management skills

  • Demonstrate greater proficiency with clinical skills

  • Experience professional growth and increased self-confidence in caring for patients

Qualifications

Candidates must:

  • Be enrolled in an accredited school of nursing

  • Be actively enrolled in an ADN, BSN or LPN program and in good academic standing

  • Have successfully completed the nursing fundamentals course (or related equivalent)

  • Be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association

The Pharmacy at Saint Joseph Hospital offers both PGY1 Pharmacy and PGY2 Critical Care Residency training program opportunities. Our residency programs provide comprehensive, hands-on, patient-centered care training designed to develop clinical expertise and leadership skills. Residents have opportunities to gain experience across diverse practice areas, focus on professional growth, and be prepared for the next steps in their pharmacy careers in any pharmacy practice setting.

PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program 2025 Brochure

PGY1 Residency Program Director Contact Information:

Kevin Poe, PharmD, BCPS
Manager, Clinical Pharmacy
PGY1 Residency Program Director
Saint Joseph Hospital
One Saint Joseph Drive
Lexington , KY 40504
Phone: 859.313.2181
Email: kevin.poe@commonspirit.org

PGY2 Critical Care Residency Program 2025 Brochure

PGY2 Residency Program Director Contact Information:

Shawn King, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Cardiology/Cardiovascular Surgery
PGY2 Critical Care Residency Program Director
Saint Joseph Hospital
One Saint Joseph Drive
Lexington , KY 40504
Phone: 859.313.7651
Email: Shawn.King@CommonSpirit.org

How To Apply:

The Saint Joseph Hospital PGY1 and PGY2 Residency Programs will accept residency applications through ASHP’s Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS).

Download the Saint Joseph Hospital Residency Program Application Form here.

Candidates must upload the following items to the PhORCAS website:

  1. Personal Cover Letter
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Completed Saint Joseph Residency Program Application
  4. Academic Transcripts
  5. Any other content requested by PhORCAS

Residency Application Deadline:  January 2nd

The CHI Saint Joseph Health Foundations offer academic scholarships for students pursuing health care careers, funded by generous employees and donors. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 for those studying nursing, allied health, medical fields or health care management. 

The following medical, nursing and allied health scholarships are offered to graduating high school seniors and secondary and post-secondary students in central Kentucky:

Scholarships for graduating seniors

John R. Gaines Scholarship for Medical Excellence

Established in 2005, this scholarship honors John R. Gaines, a visionary horseman, philanthropist and founder of the Breeders' Cup. He played a key role in creating the Kentucky Horse Park, the Maxwell H. Gluck Center for Equine Research and the National Thoroughbred Association. His generosity also supported Holy Spirit Catholic Parish at the Newman Center and other educational initiatives.

With the support of his wife, Joan, family and friends, the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation created the John R. Gaines Scholarship to assist students pursuing medical degrees. This competitive $2,500 scholarship supports students in various medical programs and helps CHI Saint Joseph Health employees enhance their credentials.

Robert & Donna Hewett Scholarship

Robert Hewett, the longest-serving board chair in Saint Joseph Health’s history, and his wife, Donna, established this scholarship through a generous gift in 2008. This $2,500 scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a nursing degree.

Joseph K. Ford Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship

This scholarship honors Joseph K. Ford’s commitment to Catholic values and service. A co-founder of the Dean, Dorton & Ford accounting firm, he played a key role in its success and dedicated years to Catholic education. He chaired Lexington Catholic High School’s board of directors and helped strengthen its financial and athletic programs.

A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Lexington Catholic High School pursuing a career in allied health, nursing or public service.

Sr. Michael Leo Nursing Scholarship

Established in 2020, this scholarship honors Sr. Michael Leo Mullaney for her leadership at Saint Joseph Hospital. During her 22-year tenure, she eliminated the hospital’s $1 million debt, modernized operations, expanded services and introduced innovations like the first physician-staffed ER and cardiac intensive care unit in central Kentucky.

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to first- or second-year nursing students.

Scholarships for secondary and post-secondary students

John R. Gaines Scholarship for Medical Excellence

Established in 2005, this scholarship honors John R. Gaines, a visionary horseman, philanthropist and founder of the Breeders' Cup. He played a key role in creating the Kentucky Horse Park, the Maxwell H. Gluck Center for Equine Research and the National Thoroughbred Association. His generosity also supported Holy Spirit Catholic Parish at the Newman Center and other educational initiatives.

With the support of John’s wife, Joan, his family and friends, the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation established the John R. Gaines Scholarship. The Gaines Medical Excellence Program provides annual funding for candidates seeking various medical program degrees, while supporting clinical and educational opportunities that advance credentials for CHI Saint Joseph Health employees. The competitive scholarship in the amount of $5,000 will be awarded to (a) qualified applicant(s) seeking a degree in the medical field.

Phyllis Cronin Nursing Scholarship

Created in 2003, this scholarship honors Phyllis Cronin’s dedication to Saint Joseph Hospital. A charter member of the Foundation Board of Directors, she served as president of both the Foundation and the STARS Committee and founded the Patient Financial Assistance Fund.

This $2,500 scholarship supports students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) who have demonstrated strong potential in the field.

Larry & Casey Schumacher Nursing Scholarship

Established in 2023, this scholarship recognizes the careers of Larry and Casey Schumacher, both registered nurses. Larry dedicated over two decades to Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), now part of CommonSpirit Health.

This $1,000 scholarship is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing nursing credentials to serve within CommonSpirit Health.

Robert & Donna Hewett Scholarship

Robert Hewett was the longest serving board chair in Saint Joseph Health’s history. Together with his wife, Donna, they established the Robert and Donna Hewett Nursing Endowment through a generous gift to the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation in 2008.

This $2,500 scholarship is awarded to individuals who wish to obtain a nursing degree.

Sr. Liz Wendeln Scholarship

Sr. Liz Wendeln was a servant leader dedicated to health care and social justice. She served as president of the Sisters of Nazareth, chaired the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Health System Board and was a board member of KentuckyOne Health.

In her honor, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a student pursuing a degree in nursing or allied health.

Application details

These scholarships support students committed to making a difference in health care. If you're passionate about serving others, apply today.

  • Application deadline: All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by April 11, 2025. 

  • Eligibility criteria: Applicants must be enrolled and accepted in an undergraduate or graduate program from an accredited institution and pursuing an advanced degree in the health care field. 

  • Application requirements: Applications must include a 500-word essay, a current resume, professional/volunteer/educational accomplishments, current or impending status with a college or university and two typed recommendation letters.

How to apply

Download and submit the scholarship application and supporting documents by mail or email to:

Jennifer Douglas

CHI Saint Joseph Health Foundations

1451 Harrodsburg Road, Suite D308
Lexington, KY 40504

Jennifer.Douglas900@CommonSpirit.org 

The following scholarships are open to students in Nelson County:

Scholarships for graduating seniors

Lily Smith Memorial Scholarship

Lily Brooke Smith was passionate about health care and dreamed of becoming a nurse, dedicating her time to the health sciences program in Nelson County. Tragically, she passed away in a car accident in January 2024. In her honor, the Flaget Memorial Hospital Foundation created the Lily Smith Memorial Scholarship. 

This $5,000 scholarship is open to high school students in Nelson County and students in the ATC program.

Application details

These scholarships support students committed to making a difference in health care. If you're passionate about serving others, apply today.

  • Application deadline: All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by April 11, 2025. 

  • Eligibility criteria: Applicants must be enrolled and accepted in an undergraduate or graduate program from an accredited institution and pursuing an advanced degree in the health care field. 

  • Application requirements: Applications must include a 500-word essay, a current resume, professional/volunteer/educational accomplishments, current or impending status with a college or university and two typed recommendation letters.

How to apply

Download and submit the scholarship application and supporting documents by mail or email to:

Jennifer Douglas

CHI Saint Joseph Health Foundations

1451 Harrodsburg Road, Suite D308
Lexington, KY 40504

Jennifer.Douglas900@CommonSpirit.org

Flaget Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship

The Flaget Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is awarding five $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors in Nelson County who plan to pursue a degree in the medical field.

Application details

These scholarships support students committed to making a difference in health care. If you're passionate about serving others, apply today.

  • Application deadline: All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by April 11, 2025. 

  • Eligibility criteria: This program is available to graduating seniors who are interested in pursuing careers in the medical field.

  • Application requirements: Applications must include a 100-word essay, two typed recommendation letters, a copy of your high school (9-12 grades) transcript, a copy of the letter verifying your acceptance to a college/school and your college/school student ID number.

To apply, mail the completed application and supporting documents to:

Bonnie Cecil

Scholarship Chairperson
56 Mill Creek Lane
Bardstown, KY 40004

Scholarships for secondary and post-secondary students

Bruce Klockars Scholarship

Established in 2011 by hospital employees, the Bruce A. Klockars Employee Scholarship Fund honors Mr. Klockars for his years of service and supports the development of future health care professionals at Flaget Memorial Hospital. This scholarship is awarded to caregivers who demonstrate strong career potential and a commitment to academic and professional success, helping advance their training and careers.

Up to two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to secondary students pursuing a bachelor's degree in health care management or business administration.

Sherri and Russell Craig Scholarship

Created in memory of Stephen L. Craig, this scholarship was established in 2008 to support future nurses and allied health professionals, helping improve patient care.

A competitive $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student pursuing post-secondary education in nursing or an allied health field.

Application details

These scholarships support students committed to making a difference in health care. If you're passionate about serving others, apply today.

  • Application deadline: All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by April 11, 2025. 

  • Eligibility criteria: Applicants must be enrolled and accepted in an undergraduate or graduate program from an accredited institution and pursuing an advanced degree in the health care field. 

  • Application requirements: Applications must include a 500-word essay, a current resume, professional/volunteer/educational accomplishments, current or impending status with a college or university and two typed recommendation letters.

How to apply

Download and submit the scholarship application and supporting documents by mail or email to:

Jennifer Douglas

CHI Saint Joseph Health Foundations

1451 Harrodsburg Road, Suite D308
Lexington, KY 40504

Jennifer.Douglas900@CommonSpirit.org

The Patti Mink Scholarship Endowment supports nursing and allied health students in the London area, honoring the legacy of Patti Mink, a respected leader who served as director of pharmacy at Saint Joseph London for 34 years. Her lasting impact on health care continues through this permanent endowment, which helps educate future health professionals.

A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student pursuing a degree in nursing or allied health.

Application details

These scholarships support students committed to making a difference in health care. If you're passionate about serving others, apply today.

  • Application deadline: All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by April 11, 2025. 

  • Eligibility criteria: Applicants must be enrolled and accepted in an undergraduate or graduate program from an accredited institution and pursuing an advanced degree in the health care field. 

  • Application requirements: Applications must include a 500-word essay, a current resume, professional/volunteer/educational accomplishments, current or impending status with a college or university, and two typed recommendation letters.

How to apply

Download and submit the scholarship application and supporting documents by mail or email to:

Jennifer Douglas

CHI Saint Joseph Health Foundations

1451 Harrodsburg Road, Suite D308
Lexington, KY 40504

Jennifer.Douglas900@CommonSpirit.org

Our job shadowing program is designed to introduce high school and college students with an interest in health care to exciting careers at our facilities. The program allows students to follow and observe a health care professional for 40 hours or less. The program is for education and development purposes. If you need hands-on experience, please call the facility you’re interested in and ask for the education department.

More about the program

Job shadowing experiences for students are scheduled in 2-, 4-, 6-, or 8-hour increments on an individual basis. All requests are subject to department manager approval and may be limited based on staff availability or workload. Some departments may have additional requirements that must be met.

While we strive to accommodate your learning needs, there may be instances where a job shadow request cannot be granted. You will be notified of your application status regardless of the outcome. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee placement.

Availability and application considerations

Job shadowing experiences are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CHI Saint Joseph Health reserves the right to deny applications as necessary.

Placement process

Approval will be considered once we receive your completed job shadowing application, which requires the following:

  • Review and acknowledgment of the Job Shadowing Policy

  • Completion of all required documents

  • Proof of current immunizations that meet CHI Saint Joseph Health’s requirements

  • Documentation of a flu vaccination, including your name and date of birth, type of vaccine received, date of injection and the signature of the administering health care provider

  • If you have traveled outside the United States in the past 12 months, proof of a QuantiFERON TB Gold (QFT) or T-spot test result

  • Completion of the New Employee Orientation presentation and the Orientation Verification form.

Job shadowing application

Complete the job shadowing application form and submit it to the address below. Once received, your application will be automatically forwarded to the local sponsor at your chosen location. The sponsor will contact you to confirm the date and time and provide additional details. Contact LaCrystal Green at (859) 313-2064 for additional information.

Saint Joseph Hospital
Attn: Human Resources
1 Saint Joseph Drive
Lexington, KY 40504

We are dedicated to supporting our team members, leaders and the community by providing world-class training, development and accountability. Through continuous growth and excellence, we strive to make a meaningful impact—both in the lives of those we serve and those who serve alongside us.

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