AORN Scholarship Board awards scholarships to 75 members - Association of periOperative Nurses

AORN Journal, Nov, 1999

Leadership funding. Funding was allocated to sponsor the 1999 chapter presidents' leadership meeting, which was held in June. Based on the success of this conference, funding will be continued for the 2000 leadership meeting.

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING CRITERIA

Each year, the AORN Scholarship Board (Figure 1) reviews and updates the scholarship application. Individuals who apply for scholarships must follow directions, fulfill all requirements listed on the application, and submit completed applications before the application deadline. With the increased number of applications received, the Scholarship Board believes it is necessary to review only applications that meet the stated guidelines and requirements. Applications that are incomplete, not typed, or late will not be considered. Applicants may request scholarship and education grant applications and direct questions about the application requirements to AORN Headquarters, by telephone at (800) 755-6304 x 366 or by e-mail at sstokes@aorn.org.

Each applicant must submit proof of acceptance or enrollment in a bachelor's or master's of nursing degree program or a related complementary field or a doctoral degree program at an accredited institution. It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure that schools mail all official school transcripts of the most recently completed degree programs and current course work (if applicable) directly to AORN. Applicants who received education outside the United States must submit transcripts of recent course work in the United States to demonstrate the capability of maintaining a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) at the college level.

Required documentation includes

* a current resume or curriculum vitae, which may include, but not be limited to, demographic information, education, professional experience, membership in professional nursing organizations, and community activities;

* a personal statement that describes current and past contributions to perioperative nursing practice, research, and education;

* a description of financial need;

* a description of how the applicant will apply the information gained from course work to perioperative nursing practice and AORN;

* professional goals related to completing the degree; and

* three endorsement letters (eg, written by colleagues, other AORN members, or school advisors). These letters should include, but not be limited to, the applicant's scholarly achievement, potential for leadership in applied fields, ability to work with others, perseverance in pursuing goals, written and oral communication skills, and clinical competence.

Scholarship deadlines. The AORN Scholarship Board has changed application deadlines to April 1 and October 1. Applications and supporting documents must be sent via US postal service and postmarked no later than the deadline. Faxed copies will not be accepted.

Each applicant must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Payment will be made directly to each student at the end of the funding period after successful completion of the course and receipt of course grade and copies of all receipts for allowable expenses. Students must receive letter grades of B or better to receive payments.