As nursing students return to school to continue their education , they realize that they are one step closer to becoming registered nurses . Through our well-established scholarship program , the Foundation of the National Student Nurses ’ Association , Inc . ( FNSNA ) continues to focus on its mission – supporting nursing education and promoting the nursing profession .
There are many lasting benefits to nursing students who receive scholarship funding from the FNSNA . It not only increases a students ’ ability to focus on their studies , but it also increases involvement in nursing student organizations and community health activities and reduces future student loan debt .
Memorial scholarship endowments are an integral component of the FNSNA undergraduate scholarship program . When established , they provide a legacy of scholarship funding in memory of an individual who was a nurse or supported nursing . . . the most trusted profession . In 2011 , family and friends of Terri Tonsetic , RN , established a memorial endowment to remember an incredible nurse who dedicated her life to the care of others .
Terri Tonsetic , RN , was a sister , wife , mother , friend , and a nurse ! Terri was called to the profession at an early age , as most nurses may say . She always had a “ can do ” attitude and “ no ” was never an option . Even when admission counselors told her she “ wasn ’ t cut out to be a nurse ,”
Tonsetic
Terri strived to make her dream of becoming a registered nurse a reality . Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock , Pennsylvania , Terri accepted a position at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania . It was there that Terri worked as a flight nurse , in addition to caring for patients in the critical care department and emergency room .
Those who worked with Terri remember her “ unparalleled work ethic , her exuberance for life , and her unmatched enthusiasm and appreciation for education . She had a passion to see everything in life , both personally and professionally , and she did so with an energy that was limitless .”
To Terri , nursing was more than just a profession . Her love and care for people was evident throughout her life . Her husband , James Sagan , explains , “ Terri was a great example of someone who really loved her work , had a strong work ethic , and everything she accomplished reflected who she was and where she came from .”
Although Terri is no longer with us , her legacy and dedication to the nursing profession lives on through the Terri Tonsetic , RN , Memorial Scholarship Endowment . Today , this endowment is sponsored by the
MetroSquared Foundation . Passion , care and support are at the heart of the mission of this very special foundation that seeks to assist caregivers , homeless children ’ s shelters , military veterans , individuals with medical debt , and , of course , future nurses !
In September , the FNSNA embarked on a special match campaign to benefit the Terri Tonsetic , RN , Memorial Scholarship Endowment . As part of this special match campaign , administered by the FNSNA , MetroSquared Foundation agreed to match all donations that the FNSNA received , dollar for dollar in memory of such a wonderful nurse !
Support from the nursing profession and future nurses like you serves as a commitment to future flight nurses , emergency department nurses , and critical care nurses who care for their patients in moments of dire need and insurmountable odds . Without these nurses , many patients would not be able to receive lifesaving treatments and care .
At the heart of every nurse is a desire to make a difference in a patient ’ s life . Author and poet , Maya Angelou once said , “ As a nurse , we have the opportunity to heal the heart , mind , soul and body of our patients , their families and ourselves . They may forget your name , but they will never forget how you made them feel .” This truly reflects the life and dedication of Terri Tonsetic .
Today , your gift can make a difference in the life of a future nurse . Please make a tax-deductible donation by visiting the
campaign page . Your donation will help the career of a future nurse take flight ! n