More than $100K awarded in nursing scholarships

RN expected fastest growing profession over next seven years
THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION GAVE MORE THAN $100K IN NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2011

KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 11, 2011 – During the 2011 school year, The Research Foundation awarded in excess of $100,000 in nursing scholarships to more than 50 student applicants.

Undergraduate nursing student scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,500 and are awarded to students attending nursing programs at Avila University, Research College of Nursing/Rockhurst University or William Jewell College. Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or above to apply and be a current sophomore or junior nursing student.

Nursing scholarships are supported through various donor contributions, nursing alumni and other donations.

“The purpose of our program is to encourage and support nursing students through the funding of undergraduate nursing scholarships,” said Cynthia Randazzo, The Research Foundation president. “With concerns about the economy and the job market in recent years, the nursing profession is becoming a more popular and lucrative career choice, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to assist the next generation of nurses.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs working for hospitals in 2009 earned, on average, $67,740. Those working in nursing homes earned $59,320. Nurses working in doctors' offices earned an average of $67,290.

Economists expect job growth for registered nurses to be much faster than the average for all other careers through 2018. In fact, registered nursing is predicted to be the career with the largest job growth of all.

“As many experienced RNs begin to reach retirement age, this should create additional job openings, and open positions could outnumber qualified applicants,” Randazzo said. “Nurses with at least a bachelor’s degree will have an edge in the job market.”

About The Research Foundation
The Research Foundation is a not-for-profit organization in Kansas City, Mo. dedicated to strengthening the community and empowering people to live healthier, productive lives through its health education and scholarship programs. The Harmon Diabetes Center teaches self management diabetes education to help patients control their diabetes and reduce the chance for life-threatening complications. The award winning ThinkFirst of Greater Kansas City injury prevention program educates area youth through free school-based assemblies aimed at helping young people prevent traumatic injuries and deaths. The Foundation also awards scholarships to students pursuing a nursing career. For more information, visit www.theresearchfoundationkc.org.