Jefferson Graduate Marangely Diaz Awarded Scholarship through RWJF New Careers in Nursing Program

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Marangely Diaz, second from left

PHILADELPHIA, PA (07/19/2011)(readMedia)-- Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson School of Nursing 2011 graduate Marangely Diaz of Camden, New Jersey received a $10,000 scholarship as a part of a $100,000 grant the school was awarded through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) New Careers in Nursing Scholarship Program (NCIN). The funding is used for ten $10,000 scholarships for students in the FACT nursing program, a 12-month accelerated BSN program for second-degree students.

The New Careers in Nursing program, an initiative of RWJF and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, offers these funds to offset expenses for students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds who are enrolled in accelerated baccalaureate or master's degree nursing programs. While overall FACT enrollment increases each year, only 27% of the students are from minority backgrounds and only 18% are male. The NCIN scholarships work to remedy this gap.

"Through the NCIN program, we are challenging nursing schools across the country to expand nurse leadership and strengthen education, two clear goals of the landmark 2010 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on The Future of Nursing, "said Denise A. Davis, Dr. P.H, RWJF program officer for NCIN. "By diversifying the nursing profession through these scholarships, we are also helping to create a health care workforce ready to meet the needs of the 21st century American patient."

Scholarship recipients will receive leadership development opportunities in addition to the funds. "We look at this program as workforce development," says project director Elizabeth Speakman, EdD, RN, CDE, ANEF, Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Student Affairs at JSN. "Mentoring is a big part of it. We believe that a relationship that nurtures and affirms a student's ability provides the building blocks for the development of future nurse leaders." Each scholar is matched with an advanced practice nurse to assist with the program and to build an ongoing relationship. Scholars receive other services including language skills, career services and additional academic support.

In 2010 JSN provided eight $10,000 scholarships through the RWJF Careers in Nursing grant, and in 2008 JSN received RWJF funding for 20 scholars.

For more information about FACT, visit www.jefferson.edu/nursing.