Donald E. Pizzini Memorial Nurse Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Montana Health Care Association
No matter what shape health care takes in the future, there will always be a need for people who provide skilled and compassionate nursing care, especially in the long term care arena. Pursuing a career in nursing will undeniably have its challenges. What shouldn't be a challenge is finding the financial resources to help achieve career goals. To this end, the Montana Health Care Association (MHCA) Scholarship Foundation has established the Donald E. Pizzini Memorial Nurse Scholarship Program.
This program will provide annual scholarships to individuals interested in pursuing a career in nursing or advancing in their nursing career–with an emphasis on long term care. It will help the students and health care workers of today become the caring nursing professionals of tomorrow and facilitate the development of a nursing workforce to meet Montana's current and future needs.
Each year we award one or more scholarships of up to $1500 to college students from our service area, as well as professionals who are already working in the long-term care field who are interested in pursuing a career in nursing or in advancing in their nursing career.
This program memorializes Don Pizzini, a former President of MHCA. In his many years as administrator of the Cascade County Convalescent Center in Great Falls, and in his work with MHCA, he had a passionate commitment to long term care and the elderly and to the dedicated care givers who worked to give them the quality of life they deserve. These scholarships are awarded in honor of this dedicated, innovative leader.
Eligibility Criteria
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
A) Must pursue study on a full-time or part-time basis in a nursing program relevant to the long term care field.
B) Academic excellence. Applicants shall have maintained a 3.0 GPA or better in their previous studies; high school GPA shall be considered for first year students. The scholarship committee may waive this requirement at their discretion in consideration of work experience and performance records as qualifying criteria for current long term care professionals.
C) Attend a college accredited in the field of nursing for which the scholarship is granted, including advance practice nursing if applicable.
D) Pursue a nursing program designed to lead to an appropriate degree or certification.
E) Must be a U.S. citizen or possess a Permanent Resident Visa.
F) Must reside in Montana and plan to work, or remain working, in the long term care nursing field in Montana.
G) Must be available for a qualifying interview.
Application Requirements
All applicants must submit the following items. Incomplete applications will not be considered:
A) The original scholarship application. If you have already received a Donald E. Pizzini Memorial Scholarship, please complete the renewal application. Copies will not be accepted.
B) Official transcripts from the attended educational institutions listed in your application.
C) Proof of acceptance into or proof of enrollment in (whichever applies) an accredited or approved program from your higher education school or college.
D) Two recommendations from individuals familiar with the applicant, such as teachers, mentors, or employers, who can discuss the applicant's scholastic potential, personal qualities, and enthusiasm or passion for the nursing profession. Recommendations from family members will not be accepted. (Not required for renewal application.)