Written by Chair of the Scholarship Task Force, Carole Bauer, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, OCN, CWOCN.
Have you ever wondered about the scholarship program offered by the WOCN® Society? Up until recently, scholarships were awarded based mostly on financial need. While this is a good goal for the Society at times, the most deserving candidates did not qualify. The application has been revised to reflect contribution to wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) practice and to the Society. The new application process will begin in the next scholarship cycle on January 8, 2018.
While financial need will still be a portion of the criteria to qualify for a scholarship, it will no longer be the primary reason one is awarded a scholarship. These changes are being made for several reasons. One reason is to address the financial disparities across the country; a $100,000 salary in California or New York City does not have the same financial value as in middle America. Another reason is to address contributions to the Society and the profession. We wish to give scholarships to those who will advance the mission, vision and values of the Society and the profession of WOC nursing.
Some of the new questions on the scholarship application for both an advanced degree and for a WOC education will include:
In 500 words or less, describe why you want to become a WOC nurse. Identify some of your personal strengths/challenges.
How do you see daily work as a WOC nurse aligning with the mission and vision of the WOCN Society?
In 500 words or less, describe how you view your WOC nurse role evolving as you obtain an advanced degree?
What contributions to the profession of WOC nursing do you anticipate due to obtaining an advanced degree?
It is the Society’s belief that the changes to the scholarship application will help identify those who will contribute to the mission, vision and values of the Society and help to advance the WOC nursing profession. We hope you will encourage your co-workers and those interested in WOC nursing to apply for a scholarship when the next cycle begins on January 8, 2018.
If you have any questions, please contact the WOCN Society via email at info@wocn.org or call the National Office at 888.224.9626.
Sincerely,
Carole Bauer, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, OCN, CWOCN
Chair of the Scholarship Task Force