2009 Scholarship Winners

Cathleen’s desire to be a nurse started in 1985 after having open heart surgery. She graduated with a BSN in 1990 from The Pennsylvania State University. Cathleen later completed her MSN and PhD at Georgia State University. Most recently she completed post-graduate studies as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at Emory University in Atlanta. She has had numerous positions during her 19 years as a nurse including clinical, administrative, and educational work. Cathleen’s background is primarily ICU and ER related. Her most recent place of employment is Grady Health System where she has assumed the role of Director of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit for the past five years. She is an independent consultant with a clinical nurse specialist and legal consultant. No matter what her role has been, she has always maintained clinical competence due to her love for nursing which impacts patient care at the bedside.

Cathleen recently took her board exams and wishes to work for a major cardiology practice in North Atlanta. Now that school is complete she has numerous publishing projects underway that need completion. She also looks forward to working with UAPRN in an active role.

 

Alana Waters

Alana Waters graduated with honors from the Medical College of Georgia in May of 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Since becoming a registered nurse, she has had experience in the Medical Surgical field, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Public Health, and Nursing Education. She began teaching at Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, Georgia in 2007, where she presently serves as the Patient Care Assisting and Phlebotomy Program Director. Alana has also been nominated for Ogeechee Technical College’s Instructor of the Year.

Alana is currently obtaining her Masters in Nursing at Georgia Southern University to become a Clinical Nurse Specialist. She plans to graduate in the summer of 2010 and continue teaching in order to share her love for nursing with others. She is also a certified Phlebotomy Technician through the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians as well as a member of the United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Georgia and Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society.

Alana resides in Claxton, Georgia with her husband of three years. They are currently expecting twin girls in December. She is also very active in her church, where she sings in the choir and serves as the church pianist and praise band keyboardist.