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), 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, speakers, 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”? Due to support from many sources, we were able to award eight $500.00 scholarships.
ExceptionalNurse.com is honored to announce the winners for 2020!!!
Megan Highland from Yankton, SD will be attending Mitchell Technical Institute in South Dakota. In her essay she stated, "I will be able to support the family of young children to explain the process, what to expect and show them that this disease can be managed....I will use myself as a living example of what can be accomplished."
Madelyn Jones from Ottumwa, IA will be attending Indian Hills Community in Iowa. In her essay she wrote, "...I want to give comfort, love and peace to others when they need it most. This is why I have decided to become a nurse."
Kirsten Dreps from Liberty, PA will be attending Mansfield University in Pennsylvania. She wrote, "I know what it is like to be in the hospital, and I know the value of a good bedside manner. I can use my understanding of life with a disability to help other patients cope".
Madelyn Jones from Ottumwa, IA will be attending Indian Hills Community in Iowa. In her essay she wrote, "...I want to give comfort, love and peace to others when they need it most. This is why I have decided to become a nurse."
Kirsten Dreps from Liberty, PA will be attending Mansfield University in Pennsylvania. She wrote, "I know what it is like to be in the hospital, and I know the value of a good bedside manner. I can use my understanding of life with a disability to help other patients cope".
Mikayla Lawless from Groveland, MA will continue her studies in the School of Nursing at Endicott College in Massachusetts. In her essay she stated, "Nursing is an incredible piece of humanity that not many people get to experience. I would be honored to have the privilege to watch people grow after a traumatic injury."
Haley Gaines from Martin, GA will continue her studies in the BSN program at Augusta University in Georgia. Haley wrote, "I hope to leave an impact on the world through my struggles of diabetes, education and perseverance to never give up! My personal experiences have helped to shape my future. As strange as it sounds, diabetes has become more than my life; it has become part of my future!"
Emory Sanders from Ballwin, MO will be attending the University of Missouri-Columbia. In her essay she wrote, "I know how scary it is to be told that you have something wrong with your body. But I want to give my patients hope that they can push past it and find inspiration to fight it....I want to show them that having a disability doesn't limit your abilities in any way. It can only make you stronger as a person."
Aimee Milota from Elk Grove, CA will be attending Grand Canyon University in Arizona.. Aimee wrote, "I spent 15 years in and out of hospitals....The nurses in the hospital were there for me. They helped me get through every day....I plan on being the hardest worker...Many people see my disability as a barrier, but I see it as an inspiration to keep working harder."
Skylar Allen from Lancaster, OH will attend Capital University in Ohio. Skylar wrote in her essay, "I decided that I will use my disease as a driving force, rather than a crutch, to make a difference in peoples' lives.I want to be a hope for little girls and boys who have lost hope. I want to be the light in the midst of the darkness of disease for children."
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 or access the application, please visit www.ExceptionalNurse.com.
Appreciate your support!
With thanks,
With thanks,
Donna