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Mary Opal Wolanin Scolarship
Date:
I am applying for the
graduate /
■ undergraduate scholarship.
Please print or type.
Name:
Address:
Home Phone:
Work Phone:
Name and Address of Educational Institution:
Expected Graduation Date:
List work and volunteer experience or plans for future work in gerontological nursing.
Attach additional statements if needed
Complete applications include the following
1. Two letters of recommendation. One should be from faculty who can attest to the potential for
successful completion of the nursing program and future contribution to the field of gerontological
nursing.
2. A transcript from the current educational institution with a minimum of a 3.0 overall grade point
average.
3. A statement of professional and educational goals with emphasis on contributions the student
expects to make to improve nursing care for older adults (not to exceed 300 words).
Applications must be submitted to NGNA no later than May 15, 2015.
Return Completed Nomination Package to:
NGNA – Mary Opal Wolanin Scholarship
3493 Lansdowne Drive, Suite 2
Lexington, KY 40517
(800) 723-0560
Fax: (859) 271-0607
info@ngna.org
Colleen Steinhauser
720 N. 87th Street
Omaha, NE 68114
June 1, 2015
Scholarship Committee
National Gerontological Nursing Association
3493 Lansdowne, Drive, Suite 2
Lexington, KY 40517
Dear Committee:
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Kaitlyn Maier for the Mary Opal Wolanin
Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship. I have known her for a short time as her nursing
instructor in the Accelerated BSN Nursing program at Nebraska Methodist College in
both class and clinical.
Kaitlyn, or Kate as she prefers, has always displayed a high degree of integrity,
responsibility, and ambition. She is definitely a leader rather than a follower in her class
and clinical group being a ‘go to’ for other students. In addition to her excellent
scholastic accomplishments, she has proven her strong value to give back with her
multiple volunteer endeavors with the Alzheimer’s Association, Red Cross Health Fairs,
and natural disaster clean-up..
I had the pleasure to talk to Kate on multiple occasions after class and at clinical about
her positive experiences working with the older adult in the long term care facility that
she had worked in and comparing issues to the current needs of the patients she was
taking care of in the acute care clinical setting. I observed her taking the extra time that
was needed in the bustle of the acute care setting to meet the needs of both the geriatric
and younger adult patients she was assigned to. She is also a most dependable team
player. Her good judgment and mature outlook ensure a logical and practical approach to
her endeavors.
Kate would be an asset to any future employer, she shared with me her love of working
with the older adult and I suggested that she apply for the scholarship. I am happy to give
her my wholehearted endorsement.
Sincerely,
Colleen Steinhauser MSN, RN-BC, FNGNA
Assistant Nursing Professor
Professional Statement of Kaitlyn Maier:
For as long as I can remember I have always loved helping people. This love for
people sparked my interest in the medical field, as well as a growing love for the
geriatric population. With growing up in the small town of Norfolk and having small
communities surrounding the city, the need for nursing homes and hospitals has
increased. What I hope to implement in rural areas with my nursing practice is to
maintain the drive of all health care professionals to continue to care for this
population. I enjoy the challenging and exciting experiences at skilled nursing
facilities and being able to personally initiate a mission and goal for every day
practice. I have previously worked as a certified nursing assistant and certified
medication aide. Caring for the older population has been very rewarding to me and
I know that I have truly made a difference in the lives of my patients. Through these
job experiences, I have developed perseverance and responsibility. The challenges
that I most enjoy, is the combination of nursing care needs, from cognitive
impairments, to acute pain, loneliness, and depression. My professional goals and
contribution for my nursing practice would be to provide the best dignity in life.
With going further in my medical career, I plan to create a living environment for
others that radiate love, peace, dignity, and safety. I plan to provide extraordinary
care and build excellent team members who skillfully perform duties with warmth
and compassion.
6/1/2015
NGNA – Mary Opal Wolanin Scholarship
3493 Lansdowne Drive, Suite 2
Lexington, KY 40517
Dear National Gerontological Nursing Association,
I am writing this letter on behalf of Kaitlyn Maier who is currently an accelerated nursing student
at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC). Ms. Maier is in good academic standing and performs at
an above average level in her classes and in the clinical areas.
Prior to nursing school Ms. Maier worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and medication aid at
a long-term care facility. During this time period, she learned about caring for the older adult and
gained a sense of compassion for this population. She also stated “I developed perseverance and
responsibility”. Another employment experience she had with this special population was
volunteering at her father’s podiatry practice where she filed charts, helped with the application
and removal of socks and shoes, and viewed surgical procedures. This experience help her gain
more insight into the care of the older adult.
Ms. Maier also has “gone above and beyond” and possesses the natural ability to help others.
Some of her volunteer work included: walked for Alzheimer’s patients, acted as a Red Cross
health fair volunteer sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Omaha, participated in an Athletes
and Elders Program, was a “sitter” for the University of Nebraska Medical Center, helped with
blood drives, and assisted with the clean-up after the Pilger, Nebraska natural disaster.
In her personal life she was a collegiate athlete. Ms. Maier stated “with this experience and
practicing over 20 hours a week, determination and drive were strong qualities of which I gained.
Being captain of the swim team required an immense amount of time, organization, leadership,
and passion. With being committed to excellence, I have learned to remain confident and calm in
stressful situations. I am goal driven and work well with time management requirements”.
I strongly recommend Ms. Maier receive the Mary Opal Wolanin Scholarship because I am
confident she will be a great nurse. She will represent your organization well now and in the
future. In addition, she could use the financial support as this accelerated nursing program does
not allow her to work. The money, generously given by your organization, would give her a
better means of supporting herself. Ms. Maier is on track to graduate in spring 2016 so the
financial support of $500.00 will come in very handy during this intense program.
Thank you for your consideration in this important matter,
Dr. Susan Ward, PhD, RN (electronic signature)
Director of Nursing, Special Programs at Nebraska Methodist College