Bolstering the School of Nursing Scholarship Fund Supports Our Newest Health Care Heroes
In 2021, hospitals across the country experienced a shortage of health care workers. Unfortunately, New Hampshire was no exception. However, our community has a distinct advantage that others don’t — a School of Nursing, right here in Nashua at St. Joseph Hospital.
The most direct and effective way to overcome the health care provider shortage that impacts us all is to support local students as they focus on mastering the knowledge and skills they need to provide compassionate health care for the whole person: body, mind and spirit. Ninety-three percent of St. Joseph School of Nursing’s graduates remain in southern New Hampshire following graduation and subsequent licensure.
In the fall of 2021, benefactors from throughout our community rose to the challenge and matched St. Joseph Hospital President John Jurczyk’s $7,500 gift to the School of Nursing Scholarship Fund. In total, we raised over $32,000 for student scholarships! In addition, the FACTS company recently donated a special student scholarship in their name.
Thank you to everyone who made a gift and invested in the future health of our community!
Two of the students you’ve helped this year:
Cosmo Rowell
“I have been working as an EMT for several years and decided I was interested in psychiatric care. Everyone told me St. Joseph School of Nursing was the place to go! I love the program for its small size and the personal connection to the staff. I travel 120 miles round trip to attend my classes. My scholarship money has been incredibly helpful in offsetting those costs.”
Maggie Paré
“I was attending another university program when COVID hit. I lost my drive to learn while stuck in online classes, so my mentor recommended I apply to St. Joseph School of Nursing where I could learn hands on. I chose nursing because instead of treating the illness, you have the power to treat the whole person, and that is beautiful. In addition to school, I work two jobs. My scholarship money allows me to devote more time to my studies.”
Gifts to the School of Nursing Scholarship Fund are gratefully accepted all year long.
This story was featured in the 2021 Foundation Annual Report; read more.