USF Nursing graduate student, Jana Perun, receives the 2012 American Cancer Society’s Graduate Scholarship

University of South Florida College of Nursing doctorate nursing practice (DNP) student, Jana L. Perun, MS, ARNP-BC, AOCNP, was selected to receive the 2012 American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Graduate Scholarship in Cancer Nursing Practice. Perun is awarded a total of $10,000 per year, for two academic years. This is the first time a USF Nursing DNP student wins the ACS scholarship.

“I am humbled to have the opportunity to care for these individuals diagnosed with cancer; a very serious and life threatening illness that can snuff out not just life but hope and happiness,” Perun said. “They are truly some of the bravest individuals I have ever known. To have the opportunity to continue my study and research in cancer nursing is truly an ongoing gift from God. I am deeply grateful and will do my utmost best to serve Him by continuing to serve those with a diagnosis of cancer.”

In 2005, Perun finished her master’s degree in Oncology Nursing at USF, and has returned to the University to earn her DNP.  Perun currently works at the Cancer Institute of Florida in Altamonte Springs, Fla.

“I have dedicated most of my professional life to the field of cancer nursing,” Perun said. “My professional life has included clinical practice and education in the field of cancer nursing. I have demonstrated a high level of commitment to the profession of cancer nursing through advancing my education and through publications and teaching. I am committed to continue my pursuit of providing evidence based advance practice nursing care to those who have or will have a diagnosis of cancer.”

Perun joins two other USF nursing students, Sarah Mountney RN, BSN, and Sara Tinsley, who received a similar scholarship from the ACS. Mountney is a master’s degree student majoring in Nursing/Oncology ARNP, and Tinsley is working toward her PHD in nursing.

Perun’s goal for the future is to study and research Cancer Survivorship issues with a goal of promoting Advanced Practice Nurse Led Cancer Survivorship Clinics to reach millions of Americans who are cancer survivors.

“With education and research in the field of cancer survivorship, I plan to work in this discipline of advanced cancer nursing practice,” Perun said. “I am hopeful that I may lead an advanced practice nurse led cancer survivorship clinic in the future.”

The overall purpose of this scholarship is to provide support for graduate students pursuing a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) degree with an overall goal to strengthen nursing practice by providing assistance for advanced preparation in the field of cancer nursing: clinical practice, education, and administration.