MHCA Scholarship Foundation Announces 2007 Donald E. Pizzini Memorial Nurse Scholarship Awards Scholarship Recipients are from Across Montana Helena, April 23, 2007: The MHCA Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce its 2007 scholarship awards for the Donald E. Pizzini Memorial Nurse Scholarship Program. Named for a long-time friend and active participant in the Montana long term care industry, the Donald E. Pizzini Memorial Nurse Scholarship Program provides awards up to $1,000 to Montana students who are enrolled in college nursing programs.
The Montana Health Care Association (MHCA), which represents nursing homes and assisted living centers throughout the state, created a foundation to offer nurse scholarships to Montana students in an attempt to be an active part of the solution to Montana’s nursing shortage. Individuals with an interest in long-term care who pursue a nursing degree are invited to apply for the scholarships. The program attracted 24 applications statewide for the 2007 round of scholarships. The applicants ranged from high school graduates to currently licensed nurses seeking advanced practice education. The following students were selected for this year’s scholarship awards:
Wendy Brown from Belgrade. Wendy is employed at the Gallatin Rest Home in Bozeman and is pursuing her RN degree at Carroll College in Helena, commuting to classes weekly. She has been a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) for five years and her goal is to continue working in long-term care. Wendy is personally interested in geriatric care because she believes “we wouldn’t have what we have today if it wasn’t for the hard work and dedication of the ones before us. I want to help these people get the compassionate quality-care and dignity and respect that they deserve.” Wendy was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Tracy Holum from Scobey. Tracy has been a CNA at Daniels Memorial Nursing Home for the past six years, working full time while pursuing her LPN degree part-time through the University of Mary. Tracy’s supervisors state “Tracy Holum strongly exemplifies the spirit of being the patient’s advocate” and “it is obvious she has a passion for geriatrics and truly enjoys working with the elderly.” Tracy was awarded a $500 scholarship.
Kathi Kraemer from Kalispell. Kathi has 16 years of experience in long-term care and is currently a full-time LPN at Brendan House while working towards her RN degree part-time. Kathi believes that the best care is not perfect skills and routines but is care-giving that comes from the heart. Her goal is to “stop institutionalizing our elders and make nursing homes a place to live by fostering successful aging through quality, compassionate care.” Kathi was awarded a $500 scholarship.
Laura Johnson from Lewistown. Laura is a long-term care Activities Director, currently employed at Valle Vista Manor, who is pursuing her RN degree through MSU-Great Falls starting this summer. Laura has been an active volunteer for long-term care initiatives, including her local Alzheimer’s organization, which earned her a Service Excellence Award. Laura describes her work in long-term care as a passion in life and her goal is “to help each resident live each day of their life to the fullest.” She states “many people talk about finding their passion in life. I am truly thankful that I have found mine working with the elderly.” Laura was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Tiffany Nitz from Havre. Tiffany is currently employed as a RN at the Northern Montana Care Center, where she works as a Long Term Care Supervisor. She is planning to pursue a Masters degree in nursing through MSU-Northern starting this fall. Tiffany spent the majority of her free time as a little girl volunteering in long-term care facilities and continues to show her dedication to the elderly in the long-term care setting. Tiffany plans to obtain an advanced practice certificate in gerontology. She says “with people living longer and the baby boomer generation getting older, I feel I could benefit my community with my knowledge while satisfying a great need for health care access.” Tiffany was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
The Donald E. Pizzini Memorial Nurse Scholarship is the first of its kind in Montana, sponsored by the long term care industry exclusively for nurses. It is designed to facilitate the development of an educated healthcare workforce. While MHCA has provided the initial funding for its foundation, it continues to invite and receive ongoing contributions from industry leaders and others in Montana who share its vision.
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