The Future of Nursing Scholars program is a multi-funder leadership program, spearheaded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) that is increasing the number of nurses holding PhDs in Florida and around the country. More Ph.D.-prepared nurses are needed to increase the number of nurse leaders, conduct nurse-led science and discovery, and educate the next generation of nurses, the Institute of Medicine has said.
Wallace-Farquharson intends to conduct research aimed at improving health outcomes in the maternal, infant, and child population. Prior to beginning the program, she was a critical intensive care unit nurse at Florida Hospital for Children, where she cared for children and their families facing cardiac catheterization and post-operative cardiac surgery. “I am deeply honored and humbled to be one of the recipients of this prestigious award,” Wallace-Farquharson said. “I feel extremely fortunate to have been afforded this opportunity that not only allows me to complete my PhD in three years, but also provides mentorship, leadership development, as well as networking opportunities.”
Mathurin’s proposed research will identify barriers that inhibit HIV awareness and prevention in the Haitian community. Before commencing her studies in the program, Mathurin was a family nurse practitioner, caring for inmates at the Wexford Health Sources/South Florida Reception Center. “I would like to pursue research that identifies which barriers most negatively impact HIV prevention efforts in Haitians,” Mathurin said. “Because of this wonderful scholarship, I am one step closer to my academic and professional goal of becoming a healthcare scientist and helping disparity populations.”
The Future of Nursing Scholars program funds grants to schools of nursing, so that they can provide scholarships to Ph.D. candidates who will commit to completing the program in three years. Wallace-Farquharson and Mathurin will each receive an award of $75,000, as well as mentoring and leadership development over the course of the Ph.D. program.
Less than 1 percent of the nation’s more than 3 million nurses have PhDs in nursing or a related field. In addition, the average age at which nurses get their PhDs in the United States is 46—13 years older than PhD earners in other fields. This program will provide an incentive for nurses to start Ph.D. programs earlier, so that they can have long leadership careers after earning their PhDs.
“We are thrilled to have both Mathurin and Wallace-Farquharson joining our program as Future of Nursing Scholars. To supplement the generous scholarship from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, each scholar will receive an additional $50,000 from the School of Nursing and Health Studies,” said Dean Nilda Peragallo Montano.
In addition to RWJF, Johnson &Johnson, Inc., Independence Blue Cross Foundation, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System and the Rhode Island Foundation are supporting the Future of Nursing Scholars grants to schools of nursing this year.
The Future of Nursing Scholars program launched last year with an inaugural cohort of 16 scholars. This new cohort brings the number of nurses it is supporting to 62.
For more than 40 years the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has worked to improve the health and health care. We are striving to build a national culture of Health that will enable all to live longer, healthier lives now and for generations to come. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org. Follow the Foundation on Twitter at www.rwjf.org/twitter or on Facebook at www.rwjf.org/facebook.
