VIM & VIGR, creator of stylish and comfortable compression socks, announced the recipients of its 2021 nursing scholarship are Wendy Gomendi Nichols (pictured) and Madd Heartley. The 2021 scholarship recipients exemplify hope, heart and determination in their pursuit of a career focused on giving back to those in need.
Gomendi Nichols is a practicing obstetrics nurse, teacher at Montana State in its undergraduate nursing program and mother of three. Two years ago, she decided to go back to school to pursue her Doctorate Family Nurse Practitioner (DFNP) degree.
“Although I take great pride in my work as a BSN, I am disheartened by the inequities in health care many Montanans encounter,” Gomendi Nichols said. “Patients often have to wait weeks to access mental health providers. A wait that too frequently results in a crisis for the individual and family. I am excited to pursue my goal of achieving my DFNP and to serve my community as both a nurse educator and primary care provider.”
Heartley is a student at UNC-Chapel Hill and first completed her major in American Studies before continuing to its nursing program. She hopes her cultural studies will enhance the level of care and empathy she can offer her future patients and the vulnerable communities she hopes to serve. Heartley also is a committed volunteer at Our Voice, a non-profit organization that supports survivors of rape, sexual assault and human trafficking.
“As a nurse, I will do my best to advocate for health equity and equality for vulnerable patient populations,” said Heartley. “I would love to work in communities that are traditionally underserved in terms of healthcare. Advocating for people who face adversities in health care is something I’m deeply passionate about. Through personal education, active listening, and a ‘person-first’ mindset I believe that I will be able to incorporate social justice into my career as a nurse.”
Founder and CEO of Vim & VIGR Michelle Hule said, “This is our first year sponsoring this scholarship, and we had so many amazing applicants. It was really difficult choosing only two winners.”
She added, “Our legwear has been worn and loved by health care professionals for years, so it is our honor to give back and support those who are providing care for our communities.”
The 2022 nursing scholarship application window will open in the second quarter of 2022. For more information on VIM & VIGR’s nursing scholarship. visit https://vimvigr.com/pages/vim-vigr-nursing-scholarship
