PROUD ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2024 UOAA OSTOMY NURSE SCHOLARSHIP

UOAA is excited to announce that the 2024 recipient of the Educational Award for Ostomy Nurse Certification is Jessica Biggs from Arkansas!

Below a grateful and proud Jessica shares a little bit about herself and her motivation to become a certified ostomy nurse.

I am thrilled to have been awarded the 2024 UOAA Scholarship, which will support my journey towards becoming a certified ostomy nurse. As a Registered Nurse with four years of specialized experience caring for individuals with ostomies at Washington Regional Medical Center General Surgery Clinic since 2021, this scholarship represents not just an opportunity for me to advance my education, but also a step toward enhancing the quality of care for my patients.

I received my Associate of Science in Nursing at North Arkansas Community College in 2016 and recently graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Western Governors University in 2024. During my BSN program, I was honored to be awarded the Capstone Certificate of Excellence for my comprehensive healthcare change proposal, which included the development and initiation of an outpatient ostomy clinic at my current place of employment.

The journey from general nursing to specializing in ostomy care has been driven by a profound desire to fill a critical gap in healthcare services in Northwest Arkansas and to provide compassionate, expert care to a community that desperately needs it. Northwest Arkansas, with its dense population, currently lacks sufficient outpatient ostomy care services. This unmet need has driven me to work tirelessly towards the establishment of a dedicated ostomy clinic.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working closely with patients navigating the complexities of life with an ostomy. These individuals face unique challenges, from managing their physical health to dealing with the emotional aspects of their condition. Ostomies, though medically necessary for many, can often lead to feelings of fear and confusion. As a nurse, my role extends beyond just providing medical assistance; I strive to be a source of emotional support and education, empowering my patients to regain their confidence and independence.

By becoming certified through the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB), I will be equipped with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to provide expert care and education to my patients. UOAA is enabling me to pursue this further education and specialized training in ostomy nursing. This advanced knowledge is essential for providing patients with evidence-based gold standards of care that addresses both their physical and emotional needs. I’m excited to have been accepted into the WEB WOC ostomy single scope program and start in the 2024 Fall semester.

As I embark on this next chapter of my professional journey, I am deeply committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with ostomies. Every day, I witness the resilience and strength of my patients, and I am inspired by their stories. They remind me of the importance of compassion and understanding in nursing care. It is not just about treating a condition; it is about treating the whole person and supporting them through their unique challenges. I believe that every patient deserves access to high-quality, compassionate care, and I am dedicated to making this a reality for the ostomy community in Northwest Arkansas.

In conclusion, receiving the 2024 UOAA Educational Award for Ostomy Nurse Certification aligns seamlessly with my passion for enhancing patient care and advancing the field of ostomy nursing. Thank you to UOAA for believing in my vision and for investing in the future of ostomy care!

Congratulations, Jessica!

The next scholarship application will open, pending funding availability, in January 2025 and closes on June 30, 2025. 

If you’d like to help UOAA continue this in 2025, please consider making a donation to the Ostomy Nurse Scholarship Fund online, please complete the Donate Form, and at the bottom under the ”Additional Comments” section, please note “Ostomy Nurse Scholarship Fund”. You can also send a check made payable to UOAA, in the memo line include the Fund name, and mail to PO Box 2293, Biddeford, ME  04005-2293.