b'13SUMMER 2019Mildred Jones, president; Kay Dieckmann,and Betty Braxter. Coles is a big believer in passing knowledge on to the next generation and ensuring that students have access to strong nursing programs, in addition to a passion for the profession.We felt that the winners achievements in nursing and contributions to nursing and the community were outstanding, says Coles. Zydel, for instance, holds his full-time hospital job and also volunteers as a school nurse at Community Academy in Squirrel Hill. He exemplifies the criteria of promoting the field and being passionate about nursing, she says.Over the years, many nursing programs have been shortened. But that hasnt led to a skills gap.The programs are tremendously valuable to ensure that students have the knowledge they need when they begin to work with patients, says Coles. That means that there isnt time to experience bedside nursing in multiple departments of a hospital, so simulation techniques are often used, and nurses just starting out are up for the challenges and learning experience they bring. The other three winners in the scholarships first round are Carolyn King, who is pursuing a doctorate in Nursing Practice at Duquesne University; and two University of Pittsburgh studentsOlivia Greer, who is in the undergraduate nursing program, and Karen Faulk, who is in her first term of an accelerated second-degree nursing program, a shortened Nursing is so critical to care, he says. Nobodytrack for students who have a degree in another spends as much time with patients as nurses;field. Each received a $2,000 scholarship.we see everything. A strong education, he says,The women on the committee are excited is key to being a good nurse.about the future of the fund. When a member A lot of people ask me why I dont go tosteps down, that person and the others will medical school, says Zydel. But I love nursing,recommend a replacement. They believe this I enjoy taking care of other people and I enjoywill ensure that all caretakers of the scholarship working alongside colleagues who are takingprogram will remain connected to its original care of people. Its an exciting role; theres neverpurpose: to encourage southwestern Pennsylvania a dull moment.students to choose nursing as a career and remain Ference says that while students like Zydelin the region. have more nursing programs to choose from,Ference says she wants the scholarship a shortage in the field has been plaguing theprogram to help local nurses be as proud of what medical profession for the last several years. they do as she is of her career. Some people Theres a great need but there arent a lotsay Im just a nurse, but nurses are on the front of funds available for nurses, she says. Nurseslines of medical care. Nurses spend the most have never made a lot of money; scholarshipsamount of time with a patient; they interpret can help so that nursing students graduatedoctors orders and answer questions, plus they with less debt. The scholarship also helps raiseprovide emotional support to patients and their awareness of the field. families. Nursing is one of the most important Ference is one of five nurses on thepositions in any medical setting. scholarship committee. The others are Carol Ann Coles, who serves as Committee Chair;ByDeanna Garcia'