Karen Moss learned the importance of nursing in health care at age 13, when she visited her grandmother every day after school during her hospital stay. Seeing the nurses’ interactions motivated James to want to pursue nursing and help underserved people.
Moss pursued nursing vigorously, starting by earning her associate degree in Nursing in the Bahamas, where she was born and grew up. Currently at UVa, she is completing her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) to PhD program, a rigorous program of study.
“Academic and clinical nursing may seem as two separate worlds, however clinical nursing requires significant teaching. In the clinical setting, nurses have to teach patients, their families and train other nurses,” said Moss.
Moss’s work within the BSN to PhD program has led to her selection for the Jonas Scholars program. This program seeks to prepare PhD candidates in specialized care like managing, co-morbidities; chronic illnesses and providing culturally competent care, according the foundation’s webpage.
Moss offered some additional insight on why she stood out as a scholarship candidate.
“Because of my BSN to PhD, I was around longer. I got to be involved in a lot of activities. I did a good job of participating in the UVa community, and disseminated my work at the local and national levels. I was a well rounded student,” said Moss.
Moss’ research centers on determining how best to provide end of life care to older adults. Her data is based on extensive interviews with health care providers and patient. So far, Moss has found that quality of life of not only the patient, but also the family members most directly caring for the patient are big factors in confidence while making end of life decisions.
The scholarship gives Moss an opportunity to continue and further her research.
“I am grateful and honored to be a recipient of the Jonas Scholarship. I would like to thank my advisors and mentors, and the leadership at the School of Nursing. I hope to help empower patients and families to have more positive healthcare experiences through my work,” said Moss.
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