- Mar
- 2
- 2020
A grateful nursing student shares her story
It’s been quite a year for 2019’s Debbie Tascone Nursing Scholarship Award recipient, Linda Rosenberg. Now a medical-surgical technician at Phelps Hospital, Linda was set to follow in her brother’s footsteps as a police officer when a series of events changed the course of her life.
“Upon entrance into the police academy in 2012, my father was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. My brother and I quickly found we were unable to manage his care and welcomed Elliot Smith, a hospice nurse from Phelps Hospital, into our home. Elliot was an exceptional nurse because while he was caring for my father he was also caring for us.”
Experiencing a minor injury of her own during her father’s illness, Linda’s recovery time gave her precious moments with her father while she reconsidered her mission to help others.
“After the loss of my father and still considering my career path and passions, I began working at Phelps Hospital in the behavioral health unit. On my first day, I bumped into Elliot. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to be a nurse.”
Beginning in 2019 Linda worked tirelessly to achieve her goal. Her workday started at 6:00 a.m. by caring for a family compromised by health issues, followed by attending school and working at Phelps.
“The five thousand dollars I received as the 2019 Debbie Tascone Nursing Scholarship Award recipient has allowed me to work fewer hours outside of Northwell and concentrate more on my studies.”
Linda is currently taking 12 credits at Mercy College, dedicating her whole self to nursing, and for that we thank her!
To be eligible for the 2020 Debbie Tascone Nursing Scholarship applicants must be enrolled – or have been accepted for enrollment – in an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, or currently be taking graduate, post-graduate or certificate courses in palliative care. We encourage all eligible employees and family members to apply for this valuable scholarship opportunity before the deadline on Friday, March 13. Additional information regarding the program can be found in the online application within Northwell’s network.