January 14, 2003

Gala Nursing Scholarship

Let us help you realize your dream of a career in nursing

Seeking a profession that is challenging and rewarding is a goal for many as they enter the workforce for the first time or contemplate a career change. Nursing is a profession that offers women and men those experiences and the opportunity to make a life-saving difference.

To encourage individuals to seek a baccalaureate degree in nursing, the Genesis Health Services Foundation has created the Gala Nursing Scholarship. This unique program will provide up to $5,000 in financial assistance to recipients as they enter a baccalaureate nursing degree program in the region. "The Gala Committee and the community leaders and businesses supporting the scholarship program all have a vested interest in the availability of quality health care services," says Missy Gowey, CFRE, Genesis Health Services Foundation Director. "We share the responsibility for attracting, educating and retaining nursing professionals in our community." Monies for the Gala Nursing Scholarship program were raised at the Foundation's 2002 Gala.

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," says 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 help diminish the impact this nationwide shortage is having on Genesis."

The scholarship is awarded as a forgivable loan, meaning Genesis will waive repayment if the recipients agree to work full-time 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."

It is the rewarding side of the profession that keeps nurses like Kristin MacDonald, R.N. on the job. "I am honored to have been present with many people of diverse backgrounds as they experienced truly life-changing events, births and deaths, exhilarating highs and despondent lows," says MacDonald, nurse educator in the BirthCenter at Genesis Medical Center. "I remain in awe of the trust and respect that patients and families bestow on their nurses. I am committed to helping educate a new generation of nurses not only to become expert care providers, but also cherish the special relationships they develop with their patients." It's life-altering moments like this and the Genesis Health Services Foundation Gala Nursing Scholarship that the health care-community is counting on to help put an end to this nationwide shortage.

Applications for the Gala Nursing Scholarship Program may be obtained at the following college financial aid offices, Clarke College in Dubuque, Coe and Mt. Mercy Colleges in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, St. Ambrose University in Davenport, and the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Applications are also available through area high school guidance counselors or you can print an application here. Applications for the scholarship are due on or before March 1, 2003.

Download a Gala Nursing Scholarship Packet! Packet includes an informational letter, fact sheet and application.

For more information, call the Genesis Health Services Foundation office at 563-421-6865.