USF Nursing Student, Sandra Francois, Selected to Receive Promise of Nursing Faculty Fellowship

University of South Florida College of Nursing graduate student, Sandra Francois, RN, BS, was selected to receive the Promise of Nursing Regional Faculty Fellowship grant of $3,500 from the Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA). Francois is completing her master’s degree in Nursing Education from USF and plans to graduate in December 2013. She is an alumna from the USF College of Nursing and received her BS in May 2010.

The Promise of Nursing Faculty Fellowship Program is administered by the Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA), a division of National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA). Registered nurses enrolled in graduate level, degree-granting colleges and universities in selected regions of the US may be eligible to apply for a Promise of Nursing Regional Faculty Fellowship (PON Fellowship).

“I am truly grateful to receive this grant,” Francois, said. “With the help of the fund, I feel like I am one step closer to accomplishing my dream of being an advocate, teacher, and confidant to those that seek my help.”

The PON Fellowship is designed to assist RN’s who are preparing for the nurse educator role to achieve their degrees. PON Fellowships are awarded annually and may be applied toward tuition, academic fees, and books.

Through the grant, Francois’s goal is to also help young women avoid and prevent the contraction of STI’s (sexually transmitted infections), and also provide care through knowledge and physical touch.

Francois currently works as a Head Nurse of the Outpatient Program at the Agency for Community Treatment Services, Inc. (ACTS), where she administers medication, conducts supportive counseling group therapy sessions, manages caseloads as well as refer clients to psychiatrists, therapists, and social workers for further treatment.

Funding for the Promise of Nursing Regional Faculty Fellowship Program is contributed by several hospitals and health care agencies, by Johnson & Johnson, and by national companies with an interest in supporting nursing education. The funds are raised at gala fundraising events sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.