Two CWRU nurses win professional development grant awards
Alumna Raquel Dauch and DNP student Corey Rose were both selected for a highly competitive scholarship.
Lifelong learning is a core tenet at Case Western Reserve University, and two Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing students are embracing the principle as winners of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Continuing Professional Development Scholarship. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student Corey Rose, RN, and alumna Raquel Dauch, RN (GRS ’24, nursing), both secured funding to pursue additional educational opportunities.
The highly competitive AACN scholarships are awarded to help nurses continue to grow personally and professionally through continuing education. Applicants must explain the gaps in their knowledge that they hope to fill, along with a learning plan.
“I am deeply grateful to CWRU and the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing for fostering the knowledge, skills and confidence that make pursuing opportunities like this grant possible,” Rose said. “The ongoing support continues to empower me to grow as a clinician, leader and advocate for high-quality, patient-centric care across all levels of the healthcare system.”
Both Rose and Dauch applied their scholarships to Case Western Reserve programs. They shared their experiences with continuing education and how the opportunities afforded to them by the scholarship have contributed to their success.
Raquel Dauch
What does winning this scholarship mean to you?
Receiving this grant represents both recognition of my dedication to critical-care nursing and support for my continued commitment to lifelong learning. Recently becoming a triple board-certified advanced practice registered nurse reflects my goal of providing high-quality acute and critical care across the lifespan. This achievement is an important milestone in my professional journey and reinforces my commitment to expanding my knowledge and improving outcomes for the patients and families I serve.
How has the grant allowed you to further your education?
The grant supported tuition for a course at CWRU that provided advanced education in the management of complex and critically ill adult and geriatric patients. [It] strengthened my ability to recognize and manage complex conditions, coordinate transitions of care and apply critical care principles across the lifespan. These skills support my long-term goal of working in high-acuity environments such as emergency or transport medicine, where providers must be prepared to care for patients of all ages in rapidly evolving conditions.
Why is continuing education important to you?
My passion for critical care began early in my nursing career. I was inspired by a clinical instructor whose dedication to earning and maintaining her critical care registered nurse (CCRN) certification left a lasting impression on me and motivated me to pursue my own CCRN as soon as I was eligible as a registered nurse.
That experience shaped my commitment to continual growth and professional excellence. It is my hope that, through my own dedication to learning and patient care, I can inspire others in the same way while continuing to advance my knowledge and skills to best serve my patients. Now, I am starting a job as a trauma APRN at MetroHealth where I will be able to care for both adults and children.
Corey Rose
What does winning this scholarship mean to you?
Receiving this grant from the AACN is an incredible honor and a meaningful recognition of my dedication to lifelong learning and to the nursing profession. It validates the perseverance and effort I've invested in advancing both my clinical expertise and leadership capabilities, while providing invaluable support to continue my education.
How has the grant allowed you to further your education?
I will be using this grant to support my tuition for the DNP program. By easing the financial burden of continuing education, this funding allows me to focus fully on developing the advanced skills needed to excel as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and healthcare leader.
How does this grant position you for future success?
This grant enables me to deepen my expertise in leadership and implementation science, equipping me with the skills and resources necessary to translate evidence into meaningful, real-world practice. It supports my ability to advocate for enhanced patient care and safety in the hospital setting, while also preparing me to engage in broader healthcare system and policy initiatives.
