May 20, 2003
Genesis Foundation Awards Nursing Scholarships
Davenport, IA - Fulfilling a childhood dream. Caring for people when they are unable to care for themselves, or being able to positively influence a person's life. These are just some of the reasons why Quad City area students are choosing nursing as a career. It is their determination and compassion that stood out as the Genesis Health Services Foundation Gala Scholarship committee selected the winners of its 2003 scholarships awards.
Recipients of the 2003 Gala Nursing Scholarships are: Kara Renae Baker, Port Byron, IL; Stephanie Barkley, Buffalo, IA; Christina Blodig, Eldridge, IA; Jessica Conklin, Moline; Rachel Fosdick, Sperry, IA; Sheena Joseph, Bettendorf; Emily Nelson, Kirkwood, IL; William Renner, Maquoketa, IA; Megan Richard and Kara Svensen, both of Blue Grass, IA, and Brandi Yerington of Davenport. Each recipient receives $5,000 in financial aide, which will be applied towards his or her pursuit of a baccalaureate nursing degree from a regional college or university.
"How fortunate we are as a community that such exceptional students are pursuing nursing careers," said Missy Gowey, CFRE, Executive Director, Genesis Health Services Foundation. "The students we interviewed had outstanding academic records, but even more importantly, they had demonstrated such care and compassion in their work and volunteer activities. I'm excited that the Gala scholarship recipients will be joining the Genesis family and working to further our mission."
Projections show that the nationwide demand for nurses will exceed the supply by 20 percent by the year 2020. The scholarship program is one of many ways Genesis Medical Center is working to combat this problem.
"The need for nurses is critical and will continue to be for several years," said Carole Reid, RN, MSN, Vice President of Patient Services. "We hope this scholarship program will provide an incentive for students to pursue a baccalaureate nursing degree while at the same time helping diminish the impact this nationwide shortage is having on Genesis."
The scholarship is awarded as a forgivable loan, meaning repayment will be waived if the recipients agree to work full-time at Genesis for two years upon completion of their degree. "It thereby creates a relationship between the students and hospital," adds Reid. "A relationship we hope will develop into a rewarding career at Genesis." Monies for the Gala Nursing Scholarship program were raised at the Foundation's 2002 Gala.
The scholarship awards were presented during the 14th annual Distinguished Nurse Lecture held earlier this month as part of National Nurses Week. For more information about the Gala Nursing Scholarship Program contact the Genesis Health Services Foundation office at 563-421-6865.
