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Investment in Nursing Education

The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) Education Foundation has once again demonstrated its commitment to nurturing future leaders in the nursing profession. On March 19, 2026, at the AAPACN Conference in Orlando, Florida, the foundation proudly announced the recipients of its prestigious 2026 scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support dedicated nursing professionals who are eager to advance their education and, ultimately, improve the quality of care in post-acute settings.

Celebrating Scholarship Recipients

This year, four remarkable individuals were recognized for their exceptional commitment to nursing:

1. Keeya Lewis, DNP, MSN Ed, RN - As a Supervisor at Quality Living in Texas, Keeya wears multiple hats: MDS coordinator, care plan manager, and nurse manager. Her goal is to attain her BSN and MSN/FNP at Graceland University, focusing on enhancing care management and wound care services in long-term care facilities.

2. Teresa Clark, RN - Serving as the MDS Coordinator at Prairie Vista Village in Iowa, Teresa is integral to coordinating resident assessments and care planning. Pursuing her BSN at Graceland University, she aspires to gain deeper leadership knowledge to enhance individualized care for residents.

3. Brianna Woods, CNA - Brianna juggles multiple roles, including working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Demaree Crossing, Indiana, while also supporting patients in a behavioral health setting. She is currently enrolled in a BSN program at Indiana University-Indianapolis and aims to focus on rehabilitation and mental health post-graduation.

4. Mildred Horn, LPN - As the MDS/Education Coordinator at Sapphire Cedar Crossing in Oregon, Mildred oversees assessment processes and trains nursing staff to provide high-quality resident care. She is working towards her LPN-to-BSN degree and plans to become a director of nursing, promoting a culture of compassionate care and staff support.

The Importance of Continuing Education

This year's scholarship awards range from $3,000 to $5,000, alongside complimentary registration to the annual conference, which enables recipients to further develop professionally. "These scholarship recipients embody the dedication and leadership that defines post-acute care nursing," said Joel VanEaton, Board President of the AAPACN Education Foundation. He emphasized that by investing in nurses as they seek further education, the foundation is strengthening the future of the profession and enhancing the quality of care provided across the nation.

The AAPACN has been awarding scholarships annually to post-acute care nursing professionals, and this year’s recognition is a testament to their drive for excellence.

Looking Ahead

Nominations for the 2027 scholarship cycle will open this coming fall, and the foundation anticipates encouraging a new wave of nursing professionals dedicated to improving care quality.

For those interested in learning more about the AAPACN Education Foundation and the impact of these scholarships, or who wish to contribute to the cause, more information can be found at AAPACN Foundation.

About AAPACN

The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) supports innovation and transformation in the post-acute care continuum, empowering providers to deliver exceptional care. With a membership of over 18,000 individuals across 6,100 facilities nationwide, AAPACN provides top-tier education, certification, and resources aimed at elevating the quality of care and enhancing operational performance. For more details, visit AAPACN.org.