Legacy of care continues with Lance Pence Scholarship award recipients

Jessica Hobbs and Amanda Orbik, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) at Reid Health, are the recipients of this year’s Lance Pence Scholarship.

They’ll be presented with the $1,000 scholarship during the Nursing Excellence Awards Celebration on May 6 in Lingle Auditorium.

As recipients, they embody the qualities inspired by the life of Lance Pence — compassion, integrity, and a desire to help and care for others — that defined his career as a Charge Nurse in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) at Reid.

Now in its second year, the fund was initiated by Pence’s family, friends, and co-workers to celebrate his life and career as a registered nurse and to continue his passion for helping others while also advancing careers in nursing, the profession he loved.

Pence passed away in April 2024, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness, integrity, and humanity in the hearts of those he served.

“Jessica and Amanda have each demonstrated a strong commitment to their patients, their education, and the nursing profession. They reflect the characteristics Lance exemplified every day,” said Misti Foust-Cofield, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer.

“This scholarship not only honors his life but also recognizes the meaningful impact Jessica and Amanda are already making and invests in the kind of compassionate, patient-centered care we deliver at Reid.”

Both are in the nursing program at Ivy Tech Community College in Richmond.

Hobbs joined Reid as a Nursing Care Assistant (NCA) in the float pool in September 2024. When she earned her LPN, she transitioned to the Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) in 2025. She was born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and currently lives in Lynn, Indiana.

She’ll begin the LPN-to-RN transition program in June and plans to graduate in May 2027. After she earns her degree, Hobbs wants to continue her career at Reid, with the goal of working in a mother-baby or OB/GYN setting.

“My passion for nursing developed early on, inspired by my love for babies,” she said.

“That interest led me to pursue a career where I can support mothers and newborns during an important time in their lives.”

Starting in healthcare as an NCA and moving up to an LPN has helped Hobbs develop clinical and personal experience as she works toward becoming a registered nurse.

“I’ve gained hands-on experience, improved my communication with patients and co-workers, and learned how important teamwork is in providing quality patient care,” Hobbs said.

Orbik joined Reid 12 years ago and has been part of the Reid Health Primary Care team for the past eight years.

She’s also worked for the Medical-Surgical and Pediatrics Unit; the Oncology, Medical-Surgical, and Hospice Unit; and has provided support for the ARU and the Intensive Care Unit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She balances school, work, and family with a commitment that reflects her determination and passion for helping others.

“When my mom started her career in nursing, I knew that was what I would want to do also,” Orbik said.

“I’ve always loved helping others in any way possible. I couldn’t imagine doing anything different.”

Orbik said working at Reid has allowed her to learn from many different people.

“From bedside nursing to the ambulatory setting, I can see what patients need both in and out of the hospital and how I can help provide that for them.”

As Orbik continues her education at Ivy Tech, she’s focused on expanding her skills and opportunities within nursing.

“My plans after earning my nursing degree are to continue to work at Reid, and I would eventually like to become a travel nurse,” she said.

Outside of healthcare, Orbik and her husband, Josh, have owned and operated AJ’s Main Street Diner in Richmond for the past 10 years. At home, the couple stay just as busy raising their three daughters.

Receiving the scholarship carries special meaning for both Hobbs and Orbik.

“I’m really grateful for this scholarship,” Hobbs said. “It’s helping me continue my education while working and taking care of my family and allowing me to keep growing as a nurse.”

“I feel supported through Reid and the Reid Health Foundation as I continue working toward my degree,” Orbik said.

Both are committed to honoring Pence through their nursing and continued education.

Hobbs said she hopes to carry on his legacy by providing compassionate, patient-centered care and treating every patient with respect and integrity.

“I plan to make a positive impact by continuing to grow in my knowledge and skills while supporting and educating patients and families,” Hobbs said.

In addition to furthering her education, Orbik wants to make the most of every opportunity.

“I plan to continue his legacy by encompassing the compassion, integrity, and commitment to caring for others as he did,” she said.