Sunday, August 4, 2019

Congratulations to the 2019 www.ExceptionalNurse.com Scholarship recipients!




Nursing students with a wide range of disabilities are increasing in number every year. Disabilities may include hearing loss, low vision, learning disabilities, limb differences, paralysis, mental illness, autism and chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus and movement disorders.

Financing an education can be a challenge for some students with disabilities. In addition to routine expenses (tuition, room and board, books, uniforms, transportation), some students may need to purchase an amplified or electronic stethoscope, computer software programs, or audio books—as well as medications, hearing aids, therapies, prostheses, special equipment or custom alterations to uniforms and lab coats. Working a part-time job may not be possible.

Scholarships are available from ExceptionalNurse.com, a nonprofit resource network for nursing students and nurses with disabilities. The organization provides links to disability-related organizations, technology, equipment, financial aid, employment opportunities, mentors, blogs, continuing education, a speaker’s bureau, legal resources, social media groups, research and related articles.

The organization has been awarding scholarships to nursing students with disabilities since 2003. The awards are based on academic performance, letters of recommendation, financial need and an essay which answers the questions: “How do you plan to contribute to the nursing profession? How will your disability influence your practice as a nurse”? The awards this year were $250.00-$500.00.

ExceptionalNurse.com is honored to announce the winners for 2019!!!
          
Katlyn Hosa from Boardman, Ohio will be attending the Youngston State University in Ohio. In her essay she stated, "I have made it my life goal to use my "disability" as something to enable me to reach people that others cannot connect with on the same level".

Allison Bartlebaugh from Akron, Ohio is attending Duquesne University in Pittsburg, PA. In her essay she wrote, "...I hope to be an advocate for others as a way to increase understanding and reduce fears".

Ronald Pan, R.N. from Cerritos, CA is attending the nurse practitioner program at the University of California, Los Angeles. In his essay he wrote, "I have decided to become an advanced practice nurse to become a health advocate for people with disabilities,. Indeed, I have clarity on my life's purpose..."

Mackenzie Strubhar from Hummelstown, PA is attending Duquesne University in Pittsburg, PA. In her essay she recounted, "I am aware of how scary it is to be on the other side of the clipboard and it will be my mission to make sure all my patients are comfortable with me and the care they are receiving."

Danika Peterson from Montesano, WA will be attending Saint Martin's University in Washington. In her essay she stated,"I know how terrifying a diagnosis can be, and how overwhelming it can be as well. Because I have been through this myself, I can bring that understanding into my interactions with patients and their families. I can honestly say, that I know, I understand and I have been where they are." 

Caroline Stevens from Monterey, LA will be attending Louisiana Tech University. Caroline wrote, "I have completed coursework through the Central Louisiana Technical and Community College in Patient Care Technology. Watching patients with cancer fight and struggle is one influence on my career choice.

Abbigale Suprenant from Springfield, IL will be attending the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Abbigale stated, "Since I have experience with a life-threatening illness, I want to be there to help other children who are going through similar experiences and be the nurse who makes sure all the children are getting the best care possible."

Anna Smith from Normal, IL is attending Illinois State University. "It's time to end the stigma. People with disabilities deserve to be treated with respect and given the chance to prove that they have just as big hearts as nurses without disabilities, and that they can be just as great, or even better, nurses."
                                     Congratulations and best wishes to all!! 

The ExceptionalNurse.com scholarship awards are funded through donations, small grants and proceeds from book sales of “The Exceptional Nurse: Tales from the trenches of truly resilient nurses working with disabilities”, “Leave No Nurse Behind: Nurses working with disabilities” , “Nursing students with disabilities change the course” and the coloring book "I am a nurse: Color me Exceptional! To make a donation, please visit http://www.exceptionalnurse.com/makeadonation.php


The scholarship application can be downloaded: 


Appreciate your support!

            With thanks, 


Donna

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