University of South Florida

 Courses that offered strategies for academic success, participation in student associations, and formal and informal faculty-student mento- ring relationships all contributed to the success of NCIN scholars. During the program, they took advantage of numerous opportunities to enrich their education, including attending a national conference sponsored by the University of South Florida on nurse education and research in veteran’s health. At the conference, they networked with doctorally prepared nurse leaders, learning about nursing’s contributions to research on issues identified by the White House and the Veterans Administration as priorities for veterans’ health. Through a monthly leadership program, the scholars met and spoke with numerous prominent nurse leaders, including nursing school deans, scientists, practitioners, educators, and community leaders.