For Lesly Espinosa-Barnal, the decision to pursue a career in nursing came from a deeply personal place.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, her father became seriously ill and was hospitalized. Watching someone she loved navigate one of the most difficult moments of his life left a lasting impression. She wanted to help. She wanted to comfort patients and families facing similar challenges.

That experience set her on a path to nursing.

“I wanted to make him feel comfortable in his time of need,” Lesly shared. “That’s when I knew nursing was what I wanted to do.”

Today, she is doing exactly that as a nurse at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital, supported along the way by the WellSpan Nursing Scholars Program.

A first-generation path forward

Lesly’s journey into healthcare is also a story of perseverance and pride. As a Mexican-American and the oldest of four sisters, she grew up inspired by her parents’ work ethic and determination. Though her parents did not complete high school, they instilled in her the importance of education and pursuing her goals.

She became the first in her family to graduate from both high school and college, earning her nursing degree from Alvernia University in December 2025.

That milestone came with its own challenges. Like many students, Lesly relied on scholarships, but as the cost of education continued to rise, financial pressures followed. She graduated with more student loan debt than she had anticipated.

Still, she stayed focused on her goal of becoming a nurse.

Finding support at WellSpan

After graduating, Lesly began exploring opportunities that would help her transition into the workforce while easing the financial burden of student loans. That search led her to the WellSpan Nursing Scholars Program.

The program provides scholarship reimbursement in exchange for a commitment to work within the health system, helping to reduce financial stress while building a strong pipeline of healthcare professionals.

Lesly joined WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital in February 2026, and the impact was immediate.

“It feels like a huge weight off my shoulders,” she said. “I can focus on learning and growing as a nurse without constantly worrying about my loans.”

That support has extended beyond finances. Working evening shifts on the medical unit, Lesly has found a team that encourages questions, fosters learning and creates a strong sense of community.

“I feel supported by my peers,” she said. “I can take the time to learn what it really means to be a nurse outside of school.”

That support has also helped her navigate real-life challenges, like when her car recently broke down. With fewer financial pressures, she was able to prioritize repairs and stay on track with her work.

Sharing her story

Lesly recently had the opportunity to share her experience more broadly during a roundtable discussion with U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital. Speaking alongside leaders in healthcare, education and government, she highlighted how the Nursing Scholars Program has shaped her journey.

Lesly is joined with leaders from regional healthcare and education entities as they welcomed U.S. Sen. McCormick onsite to learn more about the Nursing Scholar Program.  

Her message was simple but powerful: programs like this make a difference.

“I’m grateful,” she said. “And I hope it can continue to help others like me.”

Building the future nursing workforce

Lesly’s experience reflects the broader impact of the WellSpan Nursing Scholars Program.

Today, the program supports 65 team members across the system, including 46 in nursing roles. It has also expanded into other critical fields such as medical imaging and physical therapy, helping to address ongoing workforce needs.

“By removing financial barriers and creating a direct pathway into healthcare careers, the program is helping WellSpan build a stronger, more sustainable workforce all while making a difference for our team members like Lesly," said Patty Donley, senior vice president and chief nursing executive at WellSpan, who also participated in the roundtable. "The program complements other efforts across the system, from expanding residency programs to strengthening partnerships with academic institutions right here in central Pennsylvania. It is helping create opportunities to build rewarding healthcare careers while we can also retain a skilled workforce to continue delivering high-quality care close to home."

This program is made possible through the Scholars Network, a leading talent recruitment network that connects students, schools and employers such as WellSpan, enrolled students who commit to joining WellSpan after completing their education can receive as much as $65,000 in financial assistance, depending on their role.

A career with purpose

For Lesly, the impact is both professional and deeply personal.

Each shift is an opportunity to care for patients the way she once hoped someone would care for her father. Each step forward is a reflection of how far she has come.

“I just want to help people through some of their hardest moments,” she said.

With the support of her team and the WellSpan Nursing Scholars Program, she is already doing just that.

If you are looking for information on the WellSpan Nursing Scholars Program, please find more information here.