Ingrid Hausner, a senior Nursing major from Folcroft, PA, was recently selected as a 2018 American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) Board of Directors Student Scholar.

Long before Hausner began her academic journey to become a nurse, she learned the significance of the patient-nurse relationship from her mother, a licensed nurse practitioner (LPN).  “My mom would tell me about her patients, without violating HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) of course, and engrained in me the importance of that relationship,” Hausner said.

Hausner hadn’t considered the psychiatric nursing field until she took a course in mental health.  She credits her mental health professors at Neumann for her interest in the field.  “They are really good professors.  I learned that every word you use with these patients matters.  You have to be on your feet, mentally.”

Her clinical experience at Temple University Hospital on the psychiatric floor further intensified her interest.  Hausner dealt mostly with schizophrenic patients, “Trying to talk to these patients takes communication to a whole other level.”

Even though she’s had experience outside of psychiatric nursing, she’s worked as a patient care tech and currently as nurse extern at Crozier Chester Medical Centers, Hausner is drawn to it. “The psych ward feels like home, it’s welcoming.”

Nursing faculty and APNA member, Marina Lutz, requested faculty in the Mental Health Nursing practicum course to submit names of students who demonstrated excellent clinical skills to be recommended for nomination for the scholarship.  Adjunct faculty and APNA member, Edgardo Jaminola, recommended Hausner. 

Lutz said of Hausner, “A student in good academic standing, she responded and willingly accepted the challenge of the application process. She remarked that being nominated was an honor by itself. This is the first time a NU student has been nominated and we feel extremely proud and happy for Ingrid.” 

Ever so humble, Hausner was excited to be selected for the scholarships, but mostly importantly, she said, “I was so happy to get Neumann University’s name out there among the other schools.”

The scholarship includes registration, travel and lodging expenses to attend the APNA 32^nd Annual Conference, October 24-27, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. In addition, the recipients will receive one-year complimentary membership in APNA, which will provide opportunity to network with others in the profession.

Over 100 students applied for the national award and 30 scholarships were awarded; 15 for graduate students and 15 for undergraduate/pre-licensure students. 

While at the conference in October, Hausner is looking forward to attending the programs offered but also networking to make connections for her future.  After she graduates in May, she’d like to land a job in medical-surgical nursing and then eventually pursue a master’s degree in Psychiatric Nursing.  She wants to immerse herself in a hospital setting and use the skills she’s learned from her education at Neumann.