For a new faculty member at Kirkwood Community College, an ambitious academic journey is getting a financial boost. Jimmy Reyes has been awarded a major scholarship from the National Association of Hispanic Nurses.
Reyes was notified that he is one of eight national winners of the Avanzamos con Ayuda de United Health Scholarships. The $5,000 award will support Reyes’s studies in two doctoral programs at The University of Iowa. He is pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree as well as a UI Ph.D. in Gerontology. Reyes will graduate from the DNP program this July.
As part of his NAHN award, Reyes will attend a forum hosted by the United Health Foundation in Washington, DC June 23-25. During the event he plans to network with members of Congress and nursing leaders on key issues of the profession, especially regarding health care for elderly patients.
Reyes previously earned a Master’s degree as an Adult and Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. He has taught at Kirkwood as a Nursing adjunct faculty member and will begin full-time teaching at the college in July 2010.
“I am pursuing two doctoral degrees, as the DNP is a clinical-focused degree and my Ph.D. studies in Gerontology are research-focused,” Reyes said. “Since I love clinical practice I knew I wanted to become more knowledgeable in implementing programs and evidence-based nursing in clinical settings.”
Reyes was born in Peru, and later raised in Chile by his grandmother, herself a practicing nurse. He moved to the U.S. in 1997 to live with his parents in Florida. After graduating from high school he chose The University of Iowa for undergraduate and graduate studies.
“I chose Iowa because they have one of the best Nursing programs in the country and are considered number one in the Gerontology field. I enjoy working with older adults from all backgrounds and walks of life. I always learn something new when I speak with an elderly person,” Reyes added.