After 15-plus years as a professional actor, I discovered a desire to pursue nursing. I decided to become a nurse after I had the chance to volunteer at OCA-A Special Place for Special Kids, which works with individuals with autism. The group of volunteers and I worked with some of the adults at OCA to put on a small production using techniques from Kelly Hunter, who had created the Hunter Heartbeat Method, which uses iambic pentameter and sensory games to help children and young people with autism work on communication, awareness, play, etc.
As a Cary, N.C., native with a desire to become a veterinarian, I attended North Carolina State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 2004. However, life had other plans for me.
I joined the Air Force in 2006 and spent seven-and-a-half years as a medic. During this time, I earned my MBA with a concentration in health care management from Colorado Technical University and spent the next four years working as an Air Force health care administrator.
I lost my father in the ICU. During his stay in the hospital, I admired and was motivated by the solicitude and vigilance of the nurse that took care of him and how she supported my family. During this time, I learned about the nurse’s responsibility in being the bridge of communication between the patient and the rest of the health care team. From that moment, I knew I wanted to become like the nurse that assisted my father.
I was born in May on International Day of the Midwife with the support of Duke Regional Hospital’s midwifery practice. Since then, my life journey has carried me around the world and back to my roots.
Funded by Liaison International, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN’s) partner in NursingCAS, this scholarship and leadership development program was created in honor of AACN’s President and CEO Dr. Deborah Trautman.
Overview
This scholarship is designed to recognize graduate nursing students who aspire to leadership positions in academic nursing.
Scholarship Details:
Total Amount: $3,500
$2,000 for educational expenses, sent directly to the student.
Scholarship recipient will have the opportunity to participate in one of AACN’s student-focused conferences and a virtual leadership experience with Dr. Trautman and other nursing leaders.
Up to $1,500 of the scholarship award will be used to cover travel expenses for the conference.
Eligibility Criteria
With two awards available each year, this scholarship is open to students in master’s or doctoral nursing programs offered at AACN member schools affiliated with NursingCAS, the nation’s only centralized application service for nursing programs. Students must illustrate high academic achievement and list past experiences that show a commitment to academic nursing. Applicants must be currently enrolled and in good standing at their school of nursing. They must also be members of AACN’s Graduate Nursing Student Academy (membership is free).
Application Process
All applicants must submit:
A scholarship application (view the details here), including biographical information and contact information for a faculty advisor
A concise essay (no more than 500 words) outlining career achievements, desire to aspire to a future leadership position in academia, and your vision for academic nursing
A CV or resume that includes key milestones related to your leadership and career development (i.e. conference attendance, poster presentations, publications, etc.)
Goals (3-4 bullets) for what you hope to achieve during the leadership development experience with Dr. Trautman
Two letters of recommendation, including one from the nursing school dean or director
A signed commitment statement agreeing to complete the 3-day leadership development component of this program. Failure to complete this requirement will forfeit your scholarship funding.
Contact: If you have any questions, please contact Foundation Coordinator, Alexa Betances at abetances@aacnnursing.org.