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alk to Jonas Nurse Leader Scholars and you’ll be amazed at what they have accomplished and how they have advanced themselves and the


profession. The scholars tell inspiring stories about how they pursued their dreams and enriched their lives because of the generosity of Barbara and Donald Jonas, who co-founded the New York City-based Jonas Center for Nursing and Veterans Healthcare. This year is a special one for the center, as it cel-


ebrates its 10-year anniversary and its progress in preparing 1,000 nurse faculty and clinical leaders. Meet Erika Setliff , DNP, RN, CCRN-CSC, ACNS-


BC, clinical nurse specialist at University of Virginia Health System, who graduated with a doctorate in nursing practice from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in 2015. “As a Jonas Scholar alumna, I have combined


Alumni scholars express appreciation as Jonas Center celebrates 10-year anniversary


By Janice Petrella Lynch, MSN, RN


scholarship and leadership with my love of clinical practice, and use these skills and experiences to posi- tively impact nursing for the rest of my career,” she said. Along with fi nancial support for her DNP, the Jonas


Center connected Setliff with a team fully invested in her academic and professional success. Because of the center’s partnership with Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, she implemented her DNP capstone at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she evaluated the impact of communication technology in the clinical setting. The fi rst in Rhode Island to receive a Jonas Nurse


Leader scholarship, Lisa A. DiMaria, PhD, RN, is adjunct faculty, University of Rhode Island, College of Nursing, and project director, State Implementation Plan 3, Rhode Island Action Coalition. She graduated with a PhD in nursing from the University of Rhode Island in 2015. Because of the program, DiMaria became involved in the state action coalition and remains active to this day. For DiMaria, the Jonases gave her the gift of con-


nection. “Conducting research and writing a disser- tation can be an isolating venture,” she said. “I had frequent contact with other scholars through social


18 Visit us at NURSE.com • 2016


media and our meeting in Washington, D.C., which provided me with much needed support during a stressful yet exciting time.” The Jonas Center scholarship enabled Debbie


Anglade PhD, RN, LHRM, CPHQ, CCM, assistant professor, University of Miami, School of Nursing and Health Studies, to continue her studies and earn a doctorate in nursing. “I teach and mentor novice and graduate nursing students across the country, and it gives me great pleasure to watch them grow in their careers,” she said. During the program, Anglade became involved with


the Florida Action Coalition and is working to advance the diversity of nursing leadership throughout the state. Anglade has a strong affi nity to the Jonas Scholar


Alumni Group, just as she has with the University of Miami, where she received MSN and PhD degrees. “I have met outstanding nurses and developed wonderful professional relationships and friendships,” she said. Jackie Eaton, PhD, research assistant professor


and project director, Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, received a PhD at the Hart- ford Center in 2014. Thanks to the funding she received as a Jonas


Scholar, she was able to cover dissertation costs and graduate in four years. Since graduation, she received pilot funding for research and developed collaborative teams to support caregivers of older adults. Eaton’s research uses arts-based approaches to


focus on late life potential, with the goal of increas- ing the number of care providers and improving the quality of life for older adults and their families. “The Jonas Scholar program has provided me with the support and encouragement to continue on this meaningful path,” Eaton said. Adrian Juarez, PhD, RN, assistant professor, De-


partment of Family, Community & Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Buff alo, said he


“The Jonas Scholar program has provided me with the support and encouragement to continue on this meaningful path.” Jackie Eaton, PhD


reached his ultimate goal by earning a PhD in nursing from New York University in 2012. He sums up the words of many of his Jonas Nurse Leader Scholar colleagues: “No words can capture the depth of gratitude I have for the Jonases’ generosity. Instead, I have learned the best way to show my gratitude is to ‘pay it forward.’ Through my work and good deeds, I will try to make a diff erence in the lives of those in need and hopefully make this world a better place.” •


Janice Petrella Lynch, MSN, RN, is a nurse editor/nurse executive.


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