Recipients of AORN Foundation scholarships announced - AORN Scholarship Program

AORN Journal, Feb, 2003

The AORN Foundation was established in 1991 to provide a means of supporting AORN members pursuing undergraduate and graduate education and research. The Foundation, through the AORN Scholarship Committee, awards significant funding to individuals who fulfill scholarship application requirements and are selected as recipients. In 2001, a new focus was established to help address the nursing shortage. As a result, scholarships for nursing students enrolled in educational programs leading to initial licensure as an RN are available as separate and distinct from the scholarships allocated for AORN members.

Each year, AORN's President-elect selects the Scholarship Committee members and chair. Appointment to the committee is for one to two years depending on the needs of the organization. The 2002-3003 Scholarship Committee members are Kathleen B. Gaberson, RN, PhD, CNOR, chair; K. Lynn Kokiko, RN, MBA, CNOR; Patricia Stein, RN, MAOL, CNOR; Linda J. Timmons, RN; and Susanne M. Whitmer, RN, MEd, CNOR.

Committee members are charged with reviewing each scholarship application in an objective manner using preset criteria. The number of applications is large, and the review process is an arduous one that each committee member takes very seriously. The criteria are specific, and committee members do not deviate from them. To ensure a fair appraisal for each applicant, committee members do not make exceptions for applicants who do not follow the specific standards outlined in the application.

The postmark deadline for scholarship application for the 2003-2004 academic year is May 1, 2003. Applications not postmarked by this date will not be accepted. When all applications are received, each committee member reviews the applications for complete information, including the individual's contributions to AORN, his or her professional goals, grade point average, recommendations, and financial need, and assigns a score based on the established criteria. The Foundation liaison tallies all of the scores from the committee members and compiles them for the committee meeting. Awards are distributed based on committee discussion and rankings made before the meeting.

Below are key points that each applicant should review before completing the application and again before submitting it.

* Any applicant who does not meet the application requirements exactly will be disqualified.

* Nursing students must be currently enrolled in an accredited program for the 2003-2004 academic year. Proof must be provided to show the program is accredited.

* All information submitted must be typed or produced by word processing. No handwritten documents will be accepted. The application may be downloaded from AORN Online at http://www.aom.org/foundation/scholarship.htm, but it may not be sent in by e-mail or fax. It must be printed in its entirety and submitted according to the directions given.

* A minimum 3.0 grade point average is required at the time of application and must be maintained for payment of the scholarship.

* The number of endorsements should neither exceed nor be fewer than the number requested.

* Do not include anything that is not requested in the application. Additional letters or information are strictly forbidden and will result in disqualification.

* The nursing student's endorsement letter includes an appraisal of the student's oral and written expression, ability to work with others, perseverance in pursuing goals, and leadership potential.

* Complete the application that is applicable to your program. AORN members who are not student members should use the bachelor's, master's, or doctorate application, not the student nurse application.

The application process is straightforward. Simply follow the instructions in the application and submit it on or before the deadline. Academic excellence, leadership, involvement in AORN on a local or national level, and clearly stated professional goals will be considered heavily in the scoring of the applications. For assistance in completing the application, contact Suzanne Stokes in the AORN Foundation office by telephone at (800) 755-2676 x 366 or by e-mail at sstokes@aom.org, or contact any member of the Scholarship Committee.

For the 2002-2003 academic year, 113 scholarships were awarded totaling $132,500. Money for these scholarships comes from corporations, individuals, chapters, and state councils. The AORN Foundation would like to thank all contributors who supported scholarships for the 2002-2003 academic year.

Endowed scholarships. Endowed scholarships include

* 3M Health Care Endowment,

* AORN Golden Gavel Student Nurse Endowment,

* Brenda C. Ulmer endowed by Valleylab,

* Certification Board Perioperative Nursing Endowment,

* Dr Jane C. Rothrock RNFA Endowment,

* Louisiana State Council of OR Chapters,

* Michael D. Corley Memorial endowed by AORN Exhibitors' Advisory Committee,

* Patricia C. Seifert Perioperative Nursing Internship,

* President George Bush endowed by AORN of Greater Houston,