The Imogene Ward Nursing Scholarship Nomination




Florida Association Directors of Nursing Administration/LTC (FADONA), a Florida-based professional membership association representing nursing administrators dedicated to excellence in long-term care (LTC), announced The Imogene Ward Scholarship to honor the memory of a true long-term care leader, Imogene Ward. Imogene�s husband, Homer, and two sons, Mike and Jeff, established this scholarship fund.

"We wanted to establish the fund in honor of the many things she has accomplished," Homer said. "Imogene would be greatly honored. She was a compassionate nurse who was proud of her profession and would want to help others in the industry be the best they could be."

The scholarship program has been established to provide financial assistance to individuals in nursing looking to continue their education in the LTC setting. "The recipients should be compassionate, advocates for the elderly," Mike said, "and want to spend their careers in LTC devoted to this profession. Lastly, she would want to see candidates who are good communicators, great team players, and believers in pushing the envelope to elevate standards."

Imogene Ward was the president of her graduating class at the Madison College of Nursing in Nashville, Tenn. She began as a nurse at a hospital, then a nursing home, and later became a LTC director of nursing, which was her starting place for her years of devotion to geriatrics and the nursing home industry.

Imogene and Homer decided to open their own skilled nursing facility in Tampa, known as University Park Convalescent & Nursing Home, in May 1967, making her grandfather the first resident at the home. Her sons, both of whom have had long successful careers as nursing home administrators, recall their mother as being a visible and hands-on leader who would go out of her way to take care of the residents' needs, even if it meant working nights and holidays.

"We are exceedingly happy to honor the memory of Imogene Ward and to be the organization awarding scholarships alongside the Ward family," said Bonnie Cruz, president of FADONA. "The Ward family members are true pioneers in long-term care and this scholarship will be a springboard for future long-term care nurse leaders."

CRITERIA FOR APPLICANTS

  • The scholarship is limited to those pursuing an education to become registered nurses in honor of Mrs. Ward, who was an RN.
  • A nomination may be made by either a direct or indirect supervisor, and it does not need to be their current supervisor.
  • The nominating person (nominator) does not need to be a FADONA member. If not, a FADONA member must endorse the nomination by submitting a letter of recommendation to FADONA. This allows an administrator or other person who supervises a nurse to be able to identify a worthy employee.
  • The nominee must be enrolled in an accredited Florida nursing program.
  • The nominee must be actively employed by the same facility or employer as the nominator.
  • The nominee must be willing to pledge a minimum of two (2) years, working full-time in long-term care, in the state of Florida.
  • The nominee must demonstrate a determination to overcome personal and/or professional obstacles to pursue his or her nursing education to become an RN.
  • The nominee must have a track record of excellence and the potential for future leadership in long-term care.
  • A FADONA scholarship award winner is not eligible to participate in the Ward Scholarship during the same calendar year.
  • The nominee may be interviewed over the telephone by the Scholarship Committee, or its designee(s).
  • This nomination and if necessary, the accompanying letter of recommendation, must include:

    i.Name and full contact information of the nominee,
    ii. Name and full contact information of the nominator,
    iii. Confirmation of dates of employment, and
    iv. Confirmation that the nominee is currently actively employed in LTC.


    In addition to the above, the nominee will be requested to write and submit a brief essay (300 words or less) which outlines "What it takes to be an exceptional Nurse" and also express his or her reasons why he or she should be considered for the Ward Scholarship Award.