Thousands of dedicated women and men working in post-acute and long-term care dream of the chance to learn more, do more, be more. By funding nursing scholarships, the AAPACN Education Foundation helps to make those dreams a reality. Meet the recipients of the 2022 AAPACN Education Foundation Scholarships.
Brandy Schwartz, RN, RAC-CT
Eastern Michigan University
Elevating Post-Acute Care Nursing Scholarship
The Elevating Post-Acute Care Nursing Scholarship awards $3,000 to an RN currently working in post-acute care and endeavoring to obtain a BSN degree from an accredited nursing school.
In her application, Brandy wrote:
I have been one of the front-line workers during COVID. I have worked to ensure my residents have been taken care of. I am one of those nurses who will work any job position in order to make sure my residents are taken care of. I have held the hands of dying patients and comforted their families.
I love working in long-term care, and as I further my education, I hope to move up the management chain. Once I obtain my BSN, I am hoping to get a job as a Director of Nursing.
Obtaining my BSN will make me a stronger nurse and will give me the knowledge to make better and more educated decisions. I will be a better leader. I am enrolled in the RN to BSN program at Eastern Michigan University. This scholarship would allow me to cut back on my overtime at work to pay for my classes and to focus on my studies.
Grace Ellis, CNA
Washburn University
Frontline Heroes in Post-Acute Care Scholarship
Fully supported by Broad River Rehab, the Frontline Heroes in Post-Acute Care Scholarship awards $4,000 to a CNA currently working in post-acute care and endeavoring to obtain an RN, BSN, or higher degree from an accredited nursing school.
In her application, Grace wrote:
I know what it is to be sick and alone. I know what it is to need care and not have it. Most importantly, I know what it is to be seen and ignored. No one should ever have to experience this. I want to be a nurse, so that I can speak the language of healing. To see and touch and love. Every human deserves dignity, care, and compassion, and as a nurse, I will joyfully provide. There is nothing more satisfying than healing and caring for another person, and seeing them grow, or comforting them until the end.
I am currently enrolled in a four-year BSN program at Washburn University. I would like to help shape the future of geriatric long-term care as a nurse manager. Long-term care is starved for staff, and they need all the help they can get – I am ready to invest in long-term care as a nurse.
Nicole Arey, LPN
Laboure College
Lighting the Way for Post-Acute Care Nursing Scholarship
The Lighting the Way for Post-Acute Care Nursing Scholarship awards $5,000 to an LPN/LVN currently working in post-acute or long-term care and endeavoring to obtain a BSN or higher degree from an accredited nursing school.
In her application, Nicole wrote:
During the pandemic, our facility was hit hard and early. I was able to bring several thousand dollars into our facility while in the MMQ position, maintained my MDS position, while doing bedside care every day, as most of our staff was out sick.
I am on the Dean’s List at Laboure College of HealthCare. I have participated hands on, behind the scenes, and on the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. I have managed to maintain outstanding academic achievement while raising three children and working many hours.
My hope is to move higher up the ladder in reimbursement. I have the skills necessary to bring assets to our facility and the clinical experience to jump in and be hands on at any time.
Lily Ann Lopez, BSN, RN
Capella University
Advancing Nurse Leadership in Post-Acute Care Scholarship
The Advancing Nurse Leadership in Post-Acute Care Scholarship awards $5,000 to an RN currently working in post-acute care and endeavoring to obtain a BSN or higher degree from an accredited nursing school.
In her application, Lily Ann wrote:
I’ve been working as a nurse for 16 years. I started as a Cardiovascular ICU nurse and eventually became a UR/Case Manager. I was working as an MDS Coordinator for about six months in Montana when I was offered an MDS Managerial position in Oregon. I decided to accept the challenge, and I’m now continuously learning to be more competent with the MDS process. I have completed the RAC-CT workshop and will soon start working with the certification. Recently, I’ve accepted the invitation to be a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
I am enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration at Capella University. I’m looking forward to learning more leadership, communications, and strategies for decision-making. Through this scholarship program, I will positively affect our team’s performance and ability to meet organizational goals, drive collaboration, and lead within the team.
Congratulations to the 2022 AAPACN Education Foundation scholarship recipients! Learn more about how you can support nurse scholarships by donating to the AAPACN Education Foundation.