For Jeffrey Bengco, MSN, RN, CCRN, nursing has always been about both personal and professional growth. A Registered Nurse in the electrophysiology lab at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital in Inverness, Florida, Jeffrey recently reached a major milestone in his career by earning his Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Galen College of Nursing.

“It’s been a long journey,” Jeffrey said. “This wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was about growth and perseverance.”

That journey was made possible through the HCA Healthcare Education Assistance program, which helps eligible HCA Healthcare colleagues continue their education at Galen by removing financial barriers and allowing them to focus fully on learning.

A Career Rooted in Purpose and Perseverance

Jeffrey began his nursing career in the Philippines, earning his bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2006. Years later, he was sponsored by a U.S. employer and moved to the United States in 2017 as part of a broader effort to strengthen the nursing workforce.

Since then, Jeffrey has built an impressive career spanning critical care, procedural nursing, and operating room experience. Today, he works at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital as a clinical coordinator and clinical lead in the electrophysiology lab.

Inspired by Family and Lifelong Learning

Education has always played an important role in Jeffrey’s life, influenced in large part by his family.

“My mom was a teacher before she retired,” he shared. “That’s part of why I’m inspired to continue my education—seeing her commitment to lifelong learning really stayed with me.”

In fact, Jeffrey first learned about the HCA Healthcare Education Assistance program through his sister, who also works for HCA Healthcare but at a different Florida hospital.

“She was talking about furthering her career,” he said. “So, I kind of looked into it, and I found out that HCA Healthcare benefits really do help with that financial aspect of continuing education.”

Family remains a central priority for Jeffrey. With siblings nearby, a mother in California, and two young children at home, the decision to return to school wasn’t one he took lightly.

“Without the HCA Healthcare Education Assistance, I honestly might not have gone back to school,” Jeffrey said. “I would have prioritized my family first when it came to the financial aspect.”

Along with the financial implications that come with going back to school, Jeffrey also felt anxious about returning to an academic setting after so many years, and after earning his first degree overseas.

“The curriculum and the way of teaching is different internationally,” he said. “I had to adjust—but I was happy that Galen had so many resources to help me learn how to be a student again.”

With that support, Jeffrey successfully completed his MSN and emerged more confident in both his clinical knowledge and leadership abilities. He credits the HCA Healthcare for removing the financial barrier, allowing him to focus on learning and growing.

Leading, Mentoring, and Making an Impact

Jeffrey’s hope is that earning his advanced degree will open new doors into leadership where he can focus on quality improvement and team development.

“I want to help build strong teams, improve patient outcomes, and mentor other nurses who want to advance in their careers.”

Mentorship, in particular, is something Jeffrey finds deeply rewarding.

“When you see a young nurse learn something new, you can see it on their face—that ‘Eureka’ moment,” he said. “It feels really good to know you helped them.”

That passion for mentoring has sparked a desire to give back. Jeffrey has already applied to return to Galen College of Nursing as an adjunct instructor, hoping to help shape the next generation of nurses.

Encouragement for Fellow HCA Healthcare Colleagues

For other HCA Healthcare colleagues who may be hesitant to return to school, Jeffrey offers reassurance grounded in experience.

“It is possible, even when life is very busy,” he said. “I have two kids, I work full time, and I was studying at the same time.”

His advice is simple and practical.

“Start with a clear goal, stay organized, and lean on your support systems. Most importantly, don’t wait for the perfect time—because it rarely comes.”

Jeffrey’s story is a powerful example of how the HCA Healthcare Education Assistance program empowers colleagues to grow, lead, and shape the future of healthcare. By eliminating financial obstacles, the program allows nurses like Jeffrey to pursue advanced education while continuing to care for patients and support their families.

“I’m thankful to Galen and HCA Healthcare for making this possible,” Jeffrey said. “I want my children to see that learning never stops.”

Through education, leadership, and a commitment to lifelong growth, Jeffrey Bengco is not only advancing his own career—he’s helping strengthen the future of nursing for generations to come.

Investing in Education, Investing in the Future

Galen College of Nursing and HCA Healthcare have partnered to make high-quality education more accessible than ever. Eligible employees can take advantage of $5,250 in tuition assistance each year, plus several discounts by program, significantly reducing the cost of Galen pre- and post-licensure nursing programs. Whether you’re a PCT looking to become a nurse, an experienced RN interested in advancing your career, or a nurse looking for more opportunities with an MSN or DNP, Galen and HCA Healthcare are here to support you every step of the way.