Copyright Santa Rosa Press Democrat
A Marin university and a Bay Area hospice organization with ties to UCSF Health have jointly announced the first recipients of a scholarship program aimed at strengthening home-based nursing care in the region. Dominican University of California and By the Bay Health have awarded $25,000 scholarships each to Madison Alban and Jenna Louise Shea. Both students are working toward their Bachelor of Science in nursing degree at Dominican University, located in San Rafael. To qualify for the Pat Kendall Memorial Nursing Scholarship, candidates must have an interest in pursuing a career in home-based care in the Bay Area and demonstrate financial need. In an August announcement of the launch of the scholarship program as part of By the Bay’s Pathways to Care Careers initiative, CEO Skelly Wingard said Kendall’s 50-year nursing career was dedicated to advancing health, home-based care and community well-being in Marin County. By the Bay Health, headquartered in Larkspur, is affiliated with UCSF Health. In her essay, scholarship awardee Alban said her experience caring for her grandfather, who has Alzheimer’s disease, inspired her to become a nurse who “sees people not as patients but as family.” Scholarship winner Shea brings years of experience as a certified nursing assistant in long-term care and as a caregiver for her elderly mother. “Home health care brings together my skills, experiences and values,” she wrote. The scholarship includes a preceptorship — one-on-one training with an experienced nurse. The hope is the students will choose to work at By the Bay Health after graduation, according to the Nov. 4 announcement. Dominican’s BSN program offers a comprehensive community health curriculum in the senior year, designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical experience necessary for effective public health practice, according to the university. “We are deeply grateful to By the Bay Health for this partnership and for investing in our students’ futures,” said Dr. Kendra Hoepper, associate professor and chair of nursing at Dominican University.
