Health is a Right Not a Privilege - The APRN Scholarship Award
A Merit-Based Scholarship for Students Currently Enrolled in an Accredited Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Anesthesia Graduate Degree Program
Everyone around the world deserves the highest quality healthcare that can be provided to them, but with the US's shortage of primary care providers expected to grow, and with more than 58 million Americans affected by a lack of primary care services in their area, it seems that healthcare is more of a privilege for some than a right. Advanced practice nurses are some of the most important primary care providers in the US today. They are responsible for much more than the delivery of quality healthcare; they also educate other nurses, advocate for patients, research cures for far-reaching conditions, and act as mentors for others entering the profession. Americans visit NPs more than a billion times each year and are incredibly satisfied with their experiences. What's more, the quality healthcare provided by advanced practice nurses is more accessible and can even lower healthcare costs for patients. With the costs of pursuing APRN education ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 or more depending on the institution, we hope that this scholarship will offset some of these costs and encourage more nurses to go into advanced practice nursing to become nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists.
How Much Is the Scholarship Award Amount?
The winner of "Health is a Right Not a Privilege Scholarship" will receive a one-time award of $1,500. The check will be written directly to the winner's college or university. The scholarship money can only be exclusively used to pay for costs that are directly related to your education, such as tuition, fees, books, and supplies. The money cannot be used to pay for board and travel.
How Many Awards Are Available Each Year?
ONE
Is There Any Cost Involved in Applying for This Scholarship?
There is absolutely no cost or charge of any kind to apply for this scholarship.
What Is the Deadline to Apply for This Scholarship?
The deadline to apply for this scholarship is September 30, 2022, at 11.59 pm Pacific Standard Time.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
All applicants of "Health is a Right Not a Privilege Scholarship" must meet the following eligibility criteria -
• The applicant must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States.
• The applicant must have completed an ACEN or CCNE accredited BSN or MSN degree program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 or above on a 4.0 scale.
• The applicant must be holding an active Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• The applicant must be currently enrolled full-time or part-time in one of the following academic disciplines:
ACEN or CCNE accredited Nurse Practitioner program at either the MSN or DNP degree level.
COA accredited Nurse Anesthesia program at either the MSN or DNP degree level.
(Students accepted into a program but not yet enrolled are also eligible to apply, provided they enroll by the scholarship application deadline of September 30, 2022.)
• The applicant must have at least one full semester of academic studies left to complete following September 30, 2022.
What Documents Should I Attach Along with My Scholarship Application?
Along with their application, all applicants are required to attach the following documents -
• The applicant must attach a well-written Resume/CV that includes all relevant information such as education history, awards, honors, work/practical experience, service & volunteer actions, and professional activities (i.e., professional organization memberships, workshops, and other presentations).
• The applicant must attach a written Letter of Recommendation from a reputable source not related to you (faculty member from your BSN/MSN degree or the Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Anesthesia program you are currently enrolled in, advisor, supervisor, employer or mentor), who appears to be knowledgeable with regards to your service, leadership, and academic merit and can best describe your ability to succeed in your academic and/or career goals. The letter should clearly explain and justify your outstanding qualities.
• The applicant must attach an original Essay of 1000 - 1500 words on the topic mentioned below.
What Is the Topic for My Essay?
DESPITE BEING THE WEALTHIEST NATION IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD, WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE MAIN REASONS FOR HEALTH NOT BEING A HUMAN RIGHT IN AMERICA AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO TURN THIS INTO A REALITY?
What Is the Reason Behind Selecting This Essay Topic?
We firmly believe that healthcare should be a right given to all and not a privilege reserved only for some. The United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, but it is also one of the sickest, and we know of no reason why so many men, women, and children go without the lifesaving care they need. The United States of America, as of 2020, is the only remaining industrialized nation on the globe that does not provide its citizens with universal healthcare, leaving 27 million people without healthcare of any kind. This lack of healthcare has been linked to increased mortality rates and is estimated to be the cause of anywhere from 30,000 to 90,000 deaths every year.
Each day, millions of men, women, and children in this country start each day wondering what they will do if they were to become seriously ill and whether they would be able to obtain quality healthcare for their families in their time of need. This essay topic is intended to address the reasons why so many Americans must live without access to healthcare and come up with solutions that could extend healthcare to everyone.
Selecting the Winner
After the application deadline, the Scholarship Committee will review all applications received and select the winner through a competitive and nondiscriminatory process. Each applicant is judged on-the-basis of his or her essay, academic performance, personal and professional goals statement, letter of recommendation, and resume/CV.
| Factor | Weightage | ||
| Essay | 35% | ||
| • Effectively Addresses the Topic • Compelling and Original • Communicates Ideas Effectively | 50% | ||
| • Convincing Arguments Supported with Specific Examples and Evidence • Critical Thinking and Logical Reasoning Skills | 40% | ||
| • Correct Syntax, Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation | 10% | ||
| Cumulative GPA (BSN or MSN) | 35% | ||
| Personal and Professional Goals Statement | 10% | ||
| Resume/CV | 10% | ||
| Letter of Recommendation | 10% | ||
Notifying the Winner
The winner of "Health is a Right Not a Privilege Scholarship," will receive a notification from NursingProcess.org on or before November 1, 2022. Post notification, the winner will have fourteen days to submit the following documents for verification. If we are unable to reach the winner at the email address or telephone number provided with the application or if the winner is unable to submit the required documents within the allotted time, we fully reserve the right to revoke the award and present it to the next deserving applicant.
• Sign and submit an Affidavit of Eligibility and Publicity/Liability Release.
• Submit proof of enrollment in the form of either an official college or university enrollment verification form, most recent tuition receipt, or unofficial transcript showing you are currently enrolled full-time or part-time in one of the following academic disciplines:
ACEN or CCNE accredited Nurse Practitioner program at either the MSN or DNP degree level.
COA accredited Nurse Anesthesia program at either the MSN or DNP degree level.
• Submit a Transcript Copy of your last degree earned (must be a BSN or MSN). We accept unofficial transcripts provided they include your name, college/university name, and grade point average (GPA).
Officially Announcing the Winner
The winning applicant of "Health is a Right Not a Privilege Scholarship" will be made public on our website, on or before November 15, 2022
Disbursing the Funds
The winner of "Health is a Right Not a Privilege Scholarship" will receive a $1,500 award from NursingProcess.org within ten working days of his or her name being officially announced on our website. The check will be written to the winner's college or university and sent directly to the financial aid office.
What Should I Do If I Still Have Questions?
Our Scholarship Team is here to help you! Please feel free to contact us.