Scholarships for Nursing Students in Florida
Florida has the most seniors in the nation, and this is one of the reasons it has a rapidly growing healthcare sector. What does this mean to you as a potential nursing student in the Sunshine State? It means that if you have the qualities for success, and you know how to demonstrate them in the application process, there is scholarship and grant money to be had. Employers and agencies need to find ways to bring idealistic and clever candidates into the profession!
Grants and nursing scholarships are both sources of free money. As long as a student meets the basic expectations, the money does not have to be returned. In many cases, the expectations are quite simple: The committee will expect, for instance, that a student remains enrolled in the institution and in good standing.
Nursing Scholarship Requirements in Florida
Scholarships may grant a one time award of $1,000 or so, or they may finance all or most of your education. Scholarships that finance most of your education often want a specific commitment after graduation. One such scholarship is the Memorial Healthcare Scholarship. The commitment they want is, not surprisingly, employment at Memorial Healthcare System. A one year commitment is worth $6,000, a two year commitment, $12,000. BSN students need to be enrolled in a program that is accredited by the Florida Board of Nursing. RN to BSN students have an additional requirement; they must already be working as nurses. Unlike many nursing scholarship competitions, which have annual closing dates, there are three deadlines each year: in October, February, and May. The application asks about career goals and why you consider yourself an ideal healthcare worker.
Northern Florida students in their final two years of nursing education may also apply to Archbold Medical Center in Southern Georgia. If accepted as a future employee, the student will sign a note of responsibility. Applicants will be interviewed by the department head. Commitments range from one to three years.
The Florida Nurses Association also awards scholarships to those in accredited RN programs. The application process includes submitting references from people who can share their perceptions about how serious you are about the field and how likely you are to succeed. As a candidate, you also must write a personal statement, outlining your own goals and expected contributions to the field. Like many scholarships today, need is taken into account . You will list, among other things, how many people you have depending on you for financial support, and what their ages are. There is a June 1, 2011 deadline for the application.
Some scholarships are open to students pursuing careers with particular populations. Florida has a great need for long-term care nurses! The Imogene Ward Nursing Scholarship is for nursing students enrolled in RN programs and willing to pledge two years of service to long term care within Florida. The topic of the essay is what it takes to be an exceptional nurse. Candidates must be nominated by a work supervisor, direct or indirect, and may eventually be asked to participate in a phone interview. Among the things the committee is looking for: an excellent work record and a commitment to overcoming adversity.
Interested in pediatrics instead? The Dade County Jeet Colliflower Keys Scholarship awards $1,000 to a junior or senior in a nursing program who is committed to caring for sick children.
Nursing Scholarship Professional Advice – FL
In some nursing scholarship competitions, you are applying not only as a student but as a future employer. If you are indeed ready to make a large commitment, make sure that your application shows that you understand the job and have the competencies necessary.
What else should a scholarship seeker known? Representatives of multiple nursing scholarship competitions report that students frequently leave out necessary information or fail to address questions fully. Remember that you need to collect information and materials from various people, so allow time.
Contact Information for Nursing Scholarships in Florida
Memorial Healthcare System
7200 Pines Boulevard, Building 90, Room 108, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024
Website: mhs.net/career-center/health-science-scholarship.cfm
Archbold Medical Center
Gordo Ave at Mimosa Dr, Thomasille, GA 31792
Website: Archbold.org
Florida Nurses Association
Website: floridanurse.org/foundationGrants/index.asp
Imogene Ward Nursing Scholarship
Website: fadona.org/scholarship-ward.html