Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice Awards Kathleen Sheehan Scholarship to Nursing Scholar Liz Prior

August 9, 2024

North Conway, NH – Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine (VNHCH) recently announced that Liz Prior is the recipient of their 2024 Kathleen Seehan Memorial Scholarship Award. Liz is completing the Direct Entry Master of Nursing Clinical Nurse Leader program at the University of New Hampshire. The $2,000 award is given each year to a college student currently enrolled in an accredited health-related field of study program with a focus on nursing, physical therapy or occupational therapy, and who resides in Carroll County, NH or Western Maine. The scholarship is in honor of Kathleen Sheehan, a VNHCH nurse who passed away from cancer.

Prior’s path to her nursing studies did not come through a conventional route. Her undergraduate degree was in Business, but her career led her towards helping people. She previously worked for North Country Independent Living, and more recently as a Case Manager for the Brain Injury Association. It was in this capacity that she first worked with the caring professionals at VNHCH. Prior related, “The service they (VNHCH) provided made an incredible difference in the lives of these individuals to help them stay in the community. It was an aspect that inspired me to go to nursing school.”

Caring for community members is what motivates her and why she is pursuing a full time nursing career. She added, “It’s amazing that VNHCH has this scholarship to promote health education and make it accessible for folks in our area. It’s a wonderful way to remember Kathleen Sheehan, a longstanding community member who made a difference in the lives of so many. It’s my intention to stay in the area and work to provide high-quality health care to fellow community members.”
VNHCH Executive Director Sandy Ruka explained the importance of encouraging students to study nursing and why their scholarship is vital. She stated, “Nursing shortages became a reality during and after the COVID pandemic, so it’s important to do everything we can to encourage new nurses, especially those willing to work in small rural communities such as ours. Many nurses are aging out and retiring. We are lucky to see someone like Liz take up the mantle to continue our work. We are proud to honor her with our scholarship.”

Many colleges and universities are adding nursing degree programs to help build the nursing workforce of the future. The University of New Hampshire Accelerated Graduate program that Prior is attending gives credit for the student’s previous Bachelors degree to speed up the process. She said that her studies are hybrid, remote, and in-person. In addition to becoming eligible to take the NCLEX for RN licensure, the program also provides the education necessary for eligibility to complete the Clinical Nurse Leader certification exam, which is focused on supporting evidence-based practice. It also offers hands-on nursing classes which are in person. Prior is one of 24 nursing students in this cohort.

While it’s been an intense course of study, Prior has found the work to be rewarding and is glad to have made the career transition. She said, “I would encourage anyone to do this. I found a huge passion for healthcare and am very happy with my decision. I can’t wait to get out in the field and start helping folks. I’m grateful to receive the scholarship and look forward to using my education.”

Prior will start work as a nurse in spring 2025. “I’m not decided on what I want to specialize in but I have a passion for home care and hospice care and feel like my path will lead me there eventually. As a new grad nurse, there are certain experiences that you need to get.”

In addition to this annual scholarship award, VNHCH also offers tuition reimbursement and student loan forgiveness for certain roles within their organization. Those interested in a career with VNHCH are encouraged to visit them online at www.VNHCH.org/jobs or call Rosalie Miles at 603-356-7006.