Carilion Clinic is now accepting applications for three nursing scholarships to ensure that current and aspiring nurses have the opportunity to further their education. Carilion Clinic employees and members of the public are encouraged to apply.

“As a past recipient, I know how beneficial these scholarships can be,” says Robin Matsumoto, R.N., with Visiting Student Affairs at Carilion Clinic. “Education and training play a vital role in the way nurses provide high quality interdisciplinary care to our patients. We encourage those interested in a profession in healthcare, and our current employees wishing to further their education, to look into these scholarship opportunities.”

The following scholarships are now accepting applications:

- JoAnn Brinkman Nursing Scholarship – The JoAnn Brinkman Nursing Scholarship was established in memory of JoAnn Brinkman, an inspirational nurse and member of the Med-Surg ICU, who lost her life to inflammatory breast cancer in 2007. A monetary award of $250 will be awarded to a nursing student for tuition assistance, books or any other school-related expenses. Students who come from a single-parent household or are single parents are eligible for this scholarship. They must be enrolled or in the process of enrolling in a nursing degree program. Other criteria, such as GPA and extracurricular activities, are also considered in the selection of applicants. Both employees and members of the community are eligible for awards.

- Roanoke Memorial School of Professional Nursing Alumni Association Scholarship – The Roanoke Memorial School of Professional Nursing Alumni Association Scholarship was created to enhance interest and education in the nursing profession. A monetary award of $1,000 will be awarded. Both employees and members of the community are eligible for this scholarship. However, preference will be given to graduates of or descendents of graduates of the Roanoke Memorial Hospital School of Professional Nursing.

- Seay Education Scholarship (for Carilion Clinic employees only) – The Seay Education Scholarship was founded in memory of Carrie L. Seay, a nurse who was dedicated to promoting educational opportunities for employees so they could provide quality patient care. Prior to her death in 2001, Carrie worked for Carilion as an Education Consultant in the Human Resources department. Carilion sponsors this scholarship to encourage continuing nursing education. The recipient receives $2,000 to apply toward educational expenses. The Seay Scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis to applicants who are employed by Carilion, enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and committed to a career in nursing.

Applications are due by Friday, March 1, 2013. Finalists will be invited for personal interviews in March. Recipients will be notified by Friday, April 5, 2013 and will be recognized during Week of the Nurse activities.

For more information, contact Robin Matsumoto, R.N., Visiting Student Affairs at 540-853-0146 or email rmmatsumoto@carilionclinic.org or visitingstudentaffairs@carilionclinic.org.

About Carilion Clinic

Carilion Clinic is a not-for-profit healthcare organization serving nearly one million people in Virginia through hospitals, outpatient specialty centers and advanced primary care practices. Led by multi-specialty physician teams with a shared philosophy that puts the patient first, Carilion is committed to improving outcomes for every patient while advancing the quality of care through medical education and research. For more information visit www.carilionclinic.org/about.

Submitted by Allie Buth