KINGSTON, R.I. — April 28, 1999 — Cristiana Delossantos of Providence, who is in the master鈥檚 degree program at the 溏心vlog免费B站鈥檚 College of Nursing, has been awarded the Robin Gaines Memorial Scholarship. The $1,500 award was presented at the New England Regional Black Nurses 23rd Annual Spring Conference in Randolph, Mass., on April 23.
溏心vlog免费B站 Professor of Nursing Norma Jean Schmieding nominated Delossantos for the award. 鈥淐ristiana has good clinical experience, strong academic ability, and a commitment to serving disadvantaged people,鈥� says Schmieding. 鈥淪he has much to offer to the profession of nursing.鈥�
鈥淚 want to work with disadvantaged people because I know how much support they need to better their situations,鈥� says Delossantos. It is something she knows first-hand. Her parents immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic, and never learned to speak English. Delossantos often translated for them, and she remains acutely aware of how difficult it is for people to receive adequate health care when English is their second language.
A one-time high school dropout, Delossantos began to turn her life around after earning her general equivalency diploma. She subsequently earned her associate鈥檚 and bachelor鈥檚 degrees in nursing.
Meanwhile, she accumulated impressive clinical experience in nursing. Of particular note is her work in addressing HIV infection and AIDS prevention. Currently, she works full-time at Women and Infants Hospital, where she provides nursing outreach and services on the Providence Family Van, which does health screenings in local neighborhoods.
After a stint at The Providence Center, Delossantos grew interested in mental health nursing. 鈥淚 found the work fascinating,鈥� she says, 鈥渁nd there is so much need.鈥�
Delossantos expects to receive her master鈥檚 degree in the spring of 2001.
Already, she is being recognized for her expertise. Recently, she participated as a panelist on the topic of 鈥渂arriers to care鈥� at the New England Minority Health Conference in Providence.
No matter what her future career, it鈥檚 safe to say that where there鈥檚 a need, Delossantos will be there to provide support and advocacy for those who need it.
For more information: Ann MacDonald, 874-2116
