James Post #2

College of Nursing Scholarship Application

College of Nursing funding would be tremendously beneficial while I pursue my Masters of Nursing degree.  I am an excellent candidate for this because of my leadership experiences in the military, my community, and my profession.  I am very determined to do well in this program to ensure a better future for myself and my family.

Though I struggled as a high school student, I returned to higher education at age 27 with much gusto.  I made it to the Dean’s List at Salt Lake Community College and the Dean’s List at the University of Utah.  I have excelled in my profession by seeking opportunities to learn and improve, including becoming a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and highly skilled wound specialist (though not CWOCN).  I am the clinical educator for wounds, PICC lines, IV infusions, and other high acuity items for First Choice Home Health.

I have served my community by being a board member of my local homeowners association.  I have also held religious leadership positions, including being assigned as a religious leader in the military.

My most unique leadership experiences come from serving in the Utah Army National Guard. During my 14 years in the Guard, I served one 18-month deployment to Iraq.  I quickly went from being a maintenance team leader (instructing five men to repair A6 Paliden cannons) to the maintenance supply leader (instructing/supplying 15 soldiers).   I received this assignment because of my ability to teach others about the equipment, my knowledge of supply requirements, and my ability to maintain assignments. 

Next, I was assigned to be a Logistics Specialist (100-200 soldiers) where I dealt with weapons, equipment, clothing, etc. for the company.  While there, the military was in the process of turning several locations back over to the Iraqi people.  I was assigned to gather and process all of the documentation needed for items being donated to the current village.  I often had to negotiate with both military generals and civilians.  Thousands of dollars of equipment were processed through my hands.  During another occasion I was asked to correct some documentation errors.  I completed the task so expeditiously that the processor was surprised.  She complimented me that other people had taken several days to do the same task. 

As a result of my service and dedication to the Utah Army National Guard, I earned the Army Achievement Medal.  This award is specifically for enlisted soldiers who go above the call of duty by providing guidance and mentoring to new soldiers.

All of these experiences have impacted my profession.  I will use these experiences as I continue in the area care management and work to obtain an administrative position.  Receiving scholarship money will allow me to make this goal a reality.  I will continue to maintain the upmost academic standards and meet the rigor of the program.  I am excited to start the next phase of my nursing career.  I am most appreciative of your consideration to award me a scholarship from the College of Nursing.