Two Nursing Students Earn FNSNA Scholarships for Service and Excellence
Two prelicensure nursing students were selected for a Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA) scholarship—a testament to their academic and extracurricular excellence and commitment to service.
Kierra Archer and Patrick Webster recently received the Johnson & Johnson Nursing Scholarship from the Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA). The selection for this scholarship considers several key criteria, including academic excellence, leadership in nursing organizations, community service, financial need, and a demonstrated commitment to the nursing profession.
The two prelicensure students were honored alongside their fellow scholarship recipients at the NSNA’s 73rd Annual Convention opening ceremony in April and at a virtual FNSNA awards ceremony in early May. Both have excelled at the School of Nursing and continue to demonstrate a commitment to service and to careers in nursing.
Kierra Archer, MHSc, hopes to pursue an interest in women’s health, currently serving as the Women’s Health Interest Group President and a Birth Dukela (Duke Doula). She is also a current member of the Central Carolina Black Nurses Council and the National Black Nurses Association.
“What I believe made me stand out is my work history in the healthcare setting along with my aspirations to do great work with underserved communities and work against health disparities in maternal and neonatal mortality,” said Archer.
While she said that her Duke experience was an adjustment from her time spent solely in the workforce, she has risen to the challenge and has appreciated the support of staff and faculty as she pursues her degree.
“Every course focuses on social determinants of health (SDOH) and emphasizes the importance of looking at the patient as a whole, not just a diagnosis and symptoms,” said Archer. “This is a major role in health equity in giving people the tools they need to be at their best level of wellness while alleviating the barriers that make this difficult.”
Archer hopes to work as a labor and delivery nurse following graduation and to then return to school to pursue a dual degree as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife.
Patrick Webster, also an ABSN student, has a vision for impacting pediatric care, especially in vulnerable communities. He believes that this vision helped qualify him for the award, alongside his academic and extracurricular performance and his participation in community outreach programs focused on underserved populations.
“Receiving this scholarship will open doors for me to pursue valuable learning experiences, such as attending nursing workshops and conferences, which will further enhance my clinical skills and deepen my knowledge,” said Webster. “On a personal level, being selected for this scholarship is a meaningful affirmation of my dedication to the nursing profession and inspires me to continue serving my community with compassion, purpose, and excellence.”
Webster participates in the Duke Emergency Nursing Student (DENS) club, which has enriched his hands-on learning, expanded his understanding of emergency care, and allowed him to engage with peers and professionals who share a passion for critical and acute care nursing.
“DUSON has not only shaped me into a clinically competent nurse but has also instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility to lead with compassion, inclusivity, and a commitment to health justice,” said Webster.
After graduating, Webster plans to work in a Pediatric Cardiac ICU, where he can apply his skills and passion for critical care to support children with complex congenital and acquired heart conditions. He also sees this as an opportunity to provide compassionate support to families during some of their most challenging moments.