By 2030, the World Health Organization estimates the world will be short 4.8 million nurses across the globe. This means it’s more important than ever for the nurses of tomorrow to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The world needs more nurses in the workforce.
This is where Fusion is looking to help find solutions. Through the company’s Compassion in Care Scholarship, Fusion assists the next generation of nurses completing their BSN.
The team at Fusion knows from 15 years of working with healthcare professionals across several specialties and modalities that completing a BSN degree can be nothing short of a challenge. From information overload to the degree’s financial burden, finishing a BSN can be an incredibly stressful experience.
Fusion doesn’t want common stressors to stand in the way of completing a BSN degree, since it’s so imperative to support a new generation of nurses. Therefore, Fusion created the 4-year renewable Compassion in Care scholarship, which awards up to 15 students completing their BSN degree with $5,000 each year.
In just two years, the Compassion in Care scholarship has helped recipients in a multitude of ways, but most importantly it helped fund their education. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 76% of undergraduate nursing students took out some type of student loan. This scholarship aims to alleviate some of that financial burden.
“Even with academic scholarships through the school and outside scholarships, my college payments are still very expensive. Being that I am paying for the dividend of my college education myself, I greatly appreciate the Fusion Compassion in Care scholarship, and it's help in lessening the financial burden; it has definitely helped give me the financial support needed for me to earn my degree.” -Lexie Honeyman
“Receiving the Fusion Compassion in Care scholarship greatly enriched my nursing school journey by alleviating financial stress, allowing me to focus more on my education and clinical experiences. The scholarship provided essential financial support, covering costs like textbooks and clinical fees, which significantly reduced my need for additional student loans.” -Caitlin Linardos
Many scholarship recipients found themselves able to work nurse-related jobs with these costs covered. More than 70% of registered nurses had prior experience in a nursing role before completing their degree according to the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, indicating the importance of making time for outside jobs. The Compassion in Care scholarship allows students to work jobs they’re passionate about instead of one simply putting them through school.
“I currently work as a CNA while earning credits toward my nursing degree. Compassion, patience, and honesty are required to perform this job, and in full honesty, it has stretched me outside my comfort zone. The Compassion in Care scholarship has been a huge assistance financially, so I am able to see this job as more than just employment to pay for school. I can go into work and prioritize giving the best quality care, rather than earning money." -Isabella Ramsgard
“I have been able to focus more on school and work part-time at Bellevue Medical Center while I am full-time. I am thankful for the opportunity for this scholarship. It has really helped me stay afloat.” -Brian Krewson
Outside of nursing jobs, the Compassion in Care scholarship has also allowed students to pursue greater opportunities.
“I was able to put my schooling first as well as attend a community and public health practicum in Eswatini, Africa.” -Cara Goodman
“It has allowed me to attend conferences, participate in nursing internships, and participate in a mission trip to Tanzania, where I was able to experience healthcare at a global level. These experiences have contributed to my growth as a future nurse, equipping me with tools to approach patient care from a compassionate, patient-centered perspective.” -Caitlin Linardos
Fusion also recognized that students face stressors unrelated to funding college, such as mental health challenges. A study by BMC Medical Education found that nursing students exhibited signs of stress that were correlated with anxiety. Another study by the American Nurses Foundation found that younger nurses are more negatively impacted with mental health challenges and often need mentorship to support them.
Therefore, the Compassion in Care scholarship volunteers Fusion employees as mentors for students. These mentors offer guidance and are a helping hand in the storm of completing a BSN degree. In turn, students’ mental health has improved.
“Receiving this scholarship has helped immensely in regard to both financial and mental status. It is amazing just knowing I can focus on school and being the best nurse I can be, and that Fusion has noticed and wants to help me get there. It is wonderful to have these people in my corner, rooting for me, and helping me make my dreams come true.” -Grace Holys
“I am very excited to have a nurse mentor, as it will be invaluable to have someone 'show me the ropes' as I navigate nursing school. I am very thankful for this opportunity.” -Megan Johnston
“Winning this scholarship is of the utmost importance to me given it provides financial opportunities to help me finish my bachelor’s degree of nursing. As well as this, it provides me with access and connections to mentorship. This scholarship has brought me one step closer to achieving my goals that include caring for patients and giving back to the community through nursing.” -Allison Byers
Fusion values all our Compassion in Care recipients, understanding the small part we can play in completing a BSN degree is one step closer to another generation of nurses in the workforce.
Applications for the Compassion in Care scholarship open in November. Learn more here.
About Fusion:
Fusion is an Omaha-based healthcare company that exists to create meaningful connections between healthcare travelers and facilities that lead to better patient care and better outcomes for all. The company consists of two business units: Fusion Medical Staffing and Fusion Workforce Solutions, which simplify processes for healthcare travelers and facilities at every turn. Fusion employees strive to stay humble, driven, and positive.
For more information contact:
Kennedy Lawrence / Public Relations Intern
[email protected]
