About

The Nursing Foundation of Rhode Island is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the nursing profession by awarding scholarships, funding research, and preserving the history of nursing in the state. Over the years, the Foundation has awarded hundreds of scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Rhode Island nursing programs, including those at the Community College of Rhode Island, New England Institute of Technology, Rhode Island College, Salve Regina University, St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing, and the University of Rhode Island.

Many scholarship recipients are non-traditional students balancing their education with work, family responsibilities, and child care. These awards make a significant difference in helping them pursue and complete their nursing degrees.

In addition to scholarships, the Foundation offers research grants of up to $2,500. These grants support clinical nursing research aimed at improving patient care, as well as nursing education research focused on enhancing curriculum and student retention. Past projects have explored topics such as patient care model effectiveness and the role of ethics and human rights in nursing practice.

Board of Trustees

President

Amy K. Nield, BS, RN

Immediate Past Presidents

Keith Scally, DNP, RNC-OB, CCE

Trudy Mulvey, MSN, RN, PCNS

Betsy Nield, RN, BSN, MS

Vice President

Lori Kasher, DNP, RN

Treasurer

Elizabeth M. Bloom, PhD. RN

Secretary

Helen McGovern, MSN, RN

Trustees

Mary Louise Palm, BS, MS, RN

Linda Medonca , DNP, MEd, RN, NCSN, PHNA-BC, FNASN

Joanne Costello, PhD, MPH, RN

Jeanne Sherman, RNC, BS, MSN, NP

Robert Desrosiers, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Lillian Sparfven, RN

Desirae Heys, MSN, APRN, CNP

Christine McGrane PhD, RN, CNE

Diane Martins PhD, RN, FAAN