Scholarships double for SDSU accelerated nursing students

Twice as many students in South Dakota State University’s accelerated nursing program will receive funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation this year.

 

Last year, five students received $10,000 scholarships. This year, 10 students will receive $10,000 awards, the SDSU College of Nursing announced. The foundation launched the RWJF New Careers in Nursing Scholarship Program in 2008.

 

“Grants provided through this competitive program will build upon SDSU’sprevious efforts to increase the number of students enrolled in its accelerated nursing program and to diversify its student base,” said Cindy Elverson, coordinator of the accelerated option in Sioux Falls.

 

This national initiative, launched by RWJF and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, aims to help alleviate the nation’s nursing shortage by expanding the pipeline of students in accelerated nursing programs.

 

Five New Careers in Nursing scholars completed their baccalaureate degrees with a major in nursing and received their SDSU nursing pins Aug. 21. Those scholars each received $10,000 to use for educational and living expenses during 12 months of education.

 

The RWJF New Careers in Nursing Scholarship Program supports accelerated programs, which offer the most efficient route to licensure as a registered nurse for adults who have already completed a baccalaureate or graduate degree in a discipline other than nursing. Although enrollment in these programs has steadily increased over the past few years, many potential students are unable to enroll since already having a college degree disqualifies them from receiving most federal financial aid programs for entry-level students.

 

The New Careers in Nursing scholarships address this problem and will also alleviate the overall nursing shortage by enabling hundreds of students to launch their nursing careers through accelerated education not otherwise possible without scholarships.

 

 

Forty students began study toward the baccalaureate nursing degree in the accelerated option at University Center in Sioux Falls on Aug. 24. These students are now eligible to apply for the New Careers in Nursing scholarships. The 10 scholarships will be awarded Oct. 1.

 

Many students pursuing a second baccalaureate degree have incurred educational debt for their first degree and in some cases have exhausted their eligibility for federally-subsidized loans. These substantial scholarships make it possible for New Careers in Nursing scholars to complete the program with significantly less debt.

 

“The College of Nursing hopes that the graduates’ lower debt will give them the freedom to return for graduate education in nursing sooner than students who did not have this opportunity,” Elverson said. “The increase to 10 scholarships for the 2009-2010 class will provide these advantages for twice as many students as in the first year of the program.”

 

The College of Nursing matches each scholar with a mentor who provides coaching and support toward reaching the goals of successful program completion and licensure as a registered nurse. The scholars and entire class of students participate in leadership activities sponsored by the program.

 

“New Careers in Nursing aims to safeguard the health of the nation by helping to ease the nurse and nurse faculty shortage,” said Susan B. Hassmiller, RWJF senior adviser for nursing. “Nurses are critical to delivering health care that is effective, patient-centered, timely efficient and equitable.”

 

“This important initiative will also advance the Foundation’s strategic goal of promoting a health professional workforce that reflects the diversity of the American public,” she added.

 

Founded in 1881, South Dakota State University is the state’s Morrill Act land-grant institution as well as its largest, most comprehensive school of higher education. SDSU confers degrees from seven different colleges representing more than 200 majors, minors and options. The institution also offers 23 master’s degree programs and 12 Ph.D. programs.

 

The work of the university is carried out on a residential campus in Brookings and at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre and Rapid City.