In healthcare, technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs constantly impact the future of our profession. Yet this progress and evolution yields an even more practical truth - that members of the healthcare community must be fully committed to recognizing those who strive to expand their professional horizons through lifelong learning and continued education.

By fostering an environment in which healthcare professionals are both encouraged and rewarded to further their skill set to keep up with our evolving industry, we are taking an important step in ensuring that our supplemental work force provides only the highest level of patient care and healthcare proficiency.

Cross Country Staffing is taking the lead in rewarding those healthcare professionals who exemplify a true dedication to their career. Working in collaboration with the Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL), we have established the first-ever Cross Country Staffing/ACNL Scholarship.

As Stephanie Mearns, MN, RN, the Past President of the ACNL and Liaison to the Fundraising Committee points out, the "ACNL is committed to a better educated workforce. Over the last few years we have developed partnerships to join us in our commitment to providing scholarship opportunities for students of nursing. ACNL is pleased to have Cross Country join us in our quest to continue to educate nurses and to assist students in meeting their educational goals by offering two $2500 scholarships to two nurses pursuing masters degrees."

Only those healthcare professionals who met a specific and rigorous set of criteria were deemed eligible for this prestigious award. The criteria included, but was not limited to, the ability to demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit in their current practice, a desire for adventure and new opportunities, one who displays an independent nature, one who supports professionalism and finally, individuals who demonstrate the ability to persuasively speak as positive role models for nursing.

Considering this diverse list of positive attributes, we were thrilled with the overwhelming feedback and interest in this scholarship. Out of a number of qualified candidates, it came down to two individuals who truly epitomized the spirit of lifelong learning in furthering their practice.

Here are your 2008 Cross Country Staffing/ACNL Scholarship winners:

• Maria C. Olympia Resol, BSN, RN
• Deborah L. Byrum, BSN, RN, PHN, CCM

View scholarship winner profiles.

With the professional success and personal aspirations of both Maria and Deborah, it's clear to see the impact that lifelong learning and continued education have on the healthcare profession.

Everyone at Cross Country Staffing salutes these fine winners and looks forward to facilitating and growing the careers of many more energetic and enthusiastic nurses in the future. Through our newly formed scholarship program with the ACNL, as well as similar efforts with the AORN and Johnson and Johnson, we remain driven to see each and every nurse that crosses our path succeed and make a positive impact in helping us all lead healthy lives.