News Summary

• Kjerstie Wilzen, RN, in the University of Minnesota School of Nursing has been selected to be a member of the 2012-2014 Jonas Nurse Leader Scholar Program. 

Quotes

• “Kjerstie is a remarkably talented and intelligent young woman who is on track to become one of the nurse researchers whose contributions will have a great impact on the well-being of older people." -Wiltzen’s advisor, Donna Z. Bliss, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA

Full Text

The John A. Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence is pleased to announce that Kjerstie Wilzen, RN, has been selected as the University of Minnesota School of Nursing’s Jonas Center for Nursing Excellence Scholar.

Kjerstie Wiltzen, a PhD student, who specializes in the care of older adults has been selected to be a member of the 2012-2014 Jonas Nurse Leader Scholar Program.
Wiltzen holds a BSN from the U of M School of Nursing and a BA in Modern Arts in Modern Languages and Literature, Spanish and a BS in Microbiology from Montana State University, Bozeman. Wiltzen hopes to become a nurse scientist who can use her strong laboratory skills and clinical insights to improve the care of patients who suffer with incontinence-related issues.

“Kjerstie is a remarkably talented and intelligent young woman who is on track to become one of the nurse researchers whose contributions will have a great impact on the well-being of older people," said Wiltzen’s advisor, Donna Z. Bliss, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA.

Wiltzen is part of Dr. Bliss’ multidisciplinary research team examining health disparities in the prevention and treatment of fecal and urinary incontinence and their associated skin problems in nursing home residents. As a recipient of a student research grant from the U of M, she has conducted and disseminated her own research on the incidence and predictors of dual incontinence in older people admitted to a nursing home at regional and national research conferences.

Wiltzen will join the new cohort of scholars that includes 142 PhD and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students representing all 50 states. The scholars will be funded through 2014 with $2 million from the Jonas Center of Nursing Excellence.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing will administer the program, bringing their vast experience and expertise in nursing leadership programs.

“Our mission is to improve health care through nursing, and by reaching all 50 states, we can improve health care for all Americans,” said Darlene Curley, Executive Director. “Enthusiastic support from our donor and education partners has made all the difference as we build this innovative way to support future nurse leaders to improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs.”

According to Curley, in addition to growing the ranks of nursing faculty by expecting graduates to teach, Jonas scholars will also expand the number of advanced practice nurses who can serve as primary care providers and health care leaders – a vital role as the nation’s health care system undergoes sweeping transformations.

“We wanted the Jonas Nurse Leaders Scholar Program to dramatically change the landscape of nursing education and, ultimately, the future of nursing and health care,” said Donald B. Jonas, co-founder. “We feel we’ve made great strides towards the first goal and look forward to the impact these remarkable men and women will have on the health care of future generations.”

A full list of partner colleges and universities can be found here.