Two graduate students receive USF Nursing Vardell Endowed Scholarship

Two USF College of Nursing graduate students, Rachelle Hopgood, MS, ARNP, AOCNP and Falon Blessing, RN, BSN, recently received the college’s 2014 Vardell Endowed Scholarship.

The Vardell Endowed Scholarship provides educational support for full time nursing students who work and practice in Pinellas County. Hopgood and Blessing received the award for demonstrating excellence in education, research and practice. Each student received $7,500, which will apply towards their tuition.

Hopgood, who is working on her PhD in nursing at USF, is the charge nurse for the oncology unit at Mease Countryside Hospital. She is also a nurse researcher working with Susan C. McMillan, PhD, ARNP, FAAN, USF distinguished professor and Thompson professor of oncology nursing, to study cancer pain management. This study is part of $2.1 million grant from Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI).

Blessing is currently working on her doctor of nursing practice (DNP) at USF. She holds a clinical nurse position at Tampa General Hospital (TGH), and is a teaching assistant at USF Nursing. Blessing expects to complete her DNP in May 2016.

DNP student, Falon Blessing, RN, BSN

For more information on scholarship opportunities visit USF Nursing’s website here.

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