Michaelson Geriatric Endowed Scholarship
The Michaelson Geriatric Endowed Scholarship helps prepare advanced practice nurse educators with the enhanced knowledge needed to address the complex health care needs of older adults.
The Phyllis J. Michaelson Scholarship Fund in Gerontological Nursing was established in 1996 by Jerry Michaelson. It was created to support students enrolled in graduate nursing programs of the School of Nursing at OHSU with a gerontological nursing specialty. The Hartford Center of Gerontological Excellence is honored to steward this endowed scholarship.
Eligibility
This scholarship provides support for students enrolled in their second year of study in the Master of Nursing Education (M.N.E.) program at OHSU's School of Nursing. Students must have a clinical population focus area of adult gerontological nursing.
To learn more, please read this flier for our 2023 call of applications. Applications for academic year 2023-24 are due April 3, 2023, by 5:00 p.m. and are made through the School of Nursing website.
Michaelson Geriatric Endowed Scholarships awarded
Congratulations to Master of Nursing students Angela Adams, Rebecca Brown, Jessica Garcia, and Amanda Penner; all recipients of the Michaelson Geriatric Endowed Scholarship for AY 2020-21.
Angela Adams, RN, B.S.N., chose OHSU's Master's in Nursing Education program because of the option to have a secondary emphasis in Gerontology. As a nurse educator, one of her goals is to help the novice nurse value and appreciate the complexity of the geriatric patient through a holistic approach that honors the person, as well as the medical history of the patient.
Rebecca Brown understands that the number of adults over 65 is expected to nearly double in the next forty years and that this population faces unique challenges. Consequently, there has never been a greater need for geriatric-specific education. With her MNE degree, she plans to incorporate gerontological coursework with a focus on capturing the complex health history of older adults and advocating for the older adult population.
Through her work in long-term care and as a trauma nurse, Jessica Garcia, RN, B.S.N., PCCN, CCRN, appreciates the “opportunities that nurses have to change the face of healthcare." She aspires to impart to her students the same passion she has for caring for people living with dementia.
In support of Jessica’s application, Dr. Deborah Messecar wrote, “As the program director for the MNE program I am continually impressed with Jessie and her commitment to preparing her future students with the enhanced knowledge needed to address the complex health care needs of older adults."
Amanda Penner, RN, B.S.N., CCRN, sees a significant need for enhanced geriatric nursing education. She explained, “by combining my prior nursing experiences with a Masters level education, I believe that I will be able to make meaningful contributions to the education of undergraduate nursing students and help to prepare them to enter the workforce and effectively care for an aging American population."
Regarding “Mandy’s” work in OHSU’s Trauma Intensive Care Unit, Dr. Messecar wrote, “Mandy has many strengths as a nurse at OHSU hospitals where she is seen as a leader and role model among the nursing staff."