FROM HEADQUARTERS
Supporting the Nurses Who Make Surgery Safe through Scholarships
By Colette Palmer
Development Specialist
AORN Foundation
The AORN Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AORN, is pleased to announce the scholarship winners for the 2009-2010 academic year. In existence since 1991 as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Foundation carries a successful tradition of advancing surgical patient safety by supporting nurses through its Scholarship Program. A total of 55 scholars have been named this year, with awards totaling more than $80,000. Each scholarship gives a student or perioperative nurse the opportunity to access the tools they need to be successful and provide the safest possible patient care. A list of this year’s scholars can be viewed online.
Agnes Bologna, RN, MHA, CNOR, has a special understanding of the impact of the Foundation’s Scholarship Program from her experience as a scholar, committee member and donor.
The Scholar
“As a former scholar I believe education is a continual and ongoing process,” Bologna said. “We learn daily. Sometimes this education is through life and work experiences, sometimes in a formal classroom setting or a structured university program. Being an AORN scholarship recipient is a great honor, and completing my master’s degree has helped me tremendously in my role as clinical coordinator. It has also opened doors in the job market and provided me with many potential career opportunities so that I can explore and find the right fit for a career move.”
Like Bologna, many scholarship recipients have experienced the success that comes with having The AORN Foundation as a strong partner in reaching their professional and educational goals. AORN Foundation scholarships are available to students just beginning a career in nursing, as well as to those with nursing experience ready to advance their education to the next level, be it in a baccalaureate, master’s or doctorate program. Awards vary in amount; however, as Bologna can testify, “Any financial assistance is a blessing when pursing or furthering your education.”
The Committee Member
In addition to being a former scholar, and experiencing the impact these scholarships have on the lives of individuals working to advance their education, Bologna can also speak to the impact these scholarships have on the individual and on the perioperative nursing profession as a whole. As a current member of the National AORN Scholarship Committee, Bologna explains that “AORN Foundation scholarships are awarded on criteria reflecting the values and purposes of the AORN organization. It is through this application process that people, values and purposes are matched. It is exciting and enlightening to examine the applications of potential scholarship recipients. Each individual submitting an application brings a passion for nursing, especially perioperative nursing, a thirst for education, a quest for excellence and a hope for tomorrow. We need always remember that ‘an investment in knowledge pays the best interest’ (Ben Franklin).”
The Supporter
Finally, as a loyal donor to the AORN Foundation, Bologna speaks to the importance of supporting the Foundation’s programs. “Scholarships provided by the Foundation are a commitment to the future of perioperative nursing. No donation is too small. We are thankful to all our contributors, from the individual AORN member, to the chapters meeting the chapter challenge, to state councils, vendors and corporate sponsors. Every dollar leads to a financial award for a future star in AORN, and each future star guarantees our continued dedication to strive for excellence in providing safe patient care.”
Because these programs are not covered by AORN membership dues, the Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals, chapter, state councils and corporations to ensure the continued funding of its scholarship program. Tomorrow’s nurses are relying on you to make a donation today. As shared, your gift will make a difference in someone’s life, and through their advancement, will improve the practice, image and future of perioperative nursing.
The Foundation would like to thank the 2009-2010 Scholarship Committee for its time, efforts and commitment to serving in this role.
- Elizabeth L. Gentz, RN, BSN, CNOR - Chair
- Sandra L. Albright, RN, BSN, CNOR
- Agnes E. Bologna, RN, MHA, CNOR
- Nancy Fellows, RN, BA, MPA, CNOR
- David A. Wyatt, RN, BSN, MPH, CNOR- Board Liaison
Read more news in AORN Connections.