To assist employees of Kootenai Health with continuing education costs as they pursue advanced degrees to enhance patient care and overall clinical excellence.
Pierce Family Scholarship
Background: Sarah Pierce began her career at Kootenai Health in 2001 as a nurse in the ICU. She then worked into a Hospital Supervisor position and eventually went back to anesthesia school. She is now a Nurse Anesthetist with Anesthesia Associates, working at Kootenai Health.
Sarah is passionate about helping others along their career journey. In recognition and thanks for the support she received from nurses, administrators, physicians and other employees at Kootenai, this scholarship is her family’s way of “Paying it Forward” for fellow employees as they seek to advance their careers with Kootenai Health.
Yuditsky Family Clinical Excellence Scholarship
Background: Jack and Helen Yuditsky assisted in establishing the Heart for Clinical Excellence Scholarship Fund in 2009 for clinical employees at Kootenai Health. To honor the Yuditsky Family for their continued support, the scholarship is now called the Yuditsky Family Clinical Excellence Scholarship.
Delaney Espinoza Pediatric Education Scholarship
Background: Kelly Espinoza established the Delaney Espinoza Pediatric Education Scholarship in memory of her first-born daughter Delaney. Delaney was born with a very rare congenital syndrome known as Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS). Delaney brought so much to the Espinoza family and she was a light in their lives. The scholarship was created to honor her memory and as a way to give back to a very special organization that cared for her and the family during a difficult time. The family hopes this scholarship will allow recipients an opportunity to expand their knowledge how to provide care for pediatric patients who are born with certain challenges.
The Howard G. Sterner, R.N. Memorial Scholarship
Background: Being a nurse was one of Howard’s greatest joys. He was deeply passionate about caring for patients and did so with great empathy, compassion and kindness. He entered nursing at a time when there were very few men in the field. He was a member of the Idaho Nursing Association and American Nursing Association serving on the INA board and as an ANA delegate. A close friend said, “he had a voice in key issues the association was grappling with–the role of men in nursing and the evolution of nursing education.” As a natural teacher, he served as a role model for many and was a deeply respected colleague.
The Eriksson Nursing Scholarship
Background: As a nurse herself for 40 years with a passion for nursing education, this scholarship was established by Mayte Eriksson to provide financial support for Kootenai Health employees pursuing associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degrees in nursing. “I hope I can support future nurses so that they can be successful, provide evidence-based and holistic patient care, and inspire those around them by holding high standards for themselves and others- all with love and kindness.”