Veronica Mones, a master of social work candidate in the USC School of Social Work nurse social work practitioner program, has been awarded a $9,000 Gene and Marilyn Nuziard Healthcare Scholarship.

The scholarship, originated by the QueensCare board of directors to honor Gene and Marilyn Nuziard for their 16 years of service developing programs for the underserved of Los Angeles county, is given to students in financial need who pursue an education in the healthcare profession.

"I couldn't believe I had actually won. I was very honored to be selected among the other highly qualified nurses who had also applied. I was ecstatic that I'd been granted the full amount," said Mones, who is a full-time student and a part-time school nurse.

Mones will complete the nurse social work practitioner program in May. The first of its kind – the program combines both the healthcare and social service professions to provide registered nurses with skills in advocacy, case intervention, policy, research and treatment. Students broaden their knowledge base and practice in both case management and a chosen area of concentration, earning a specialized MSW and case management certificate.

Since enrolling, Mones has learned a great deal about appropriate intervention methods and the theories of social work, which she says has contributed to how she now deals with patients. The program is regularly exposing her to psychosocial issues, which she finds challenging and exciting because it allows her to see an entirely different aspect of nursing.

"In nursing school, we studied the bio-psycho-social model, but focused primarily on the biological part of the model. My studies in the nurse social work practitioner program have broadened my experience," she said, explaining that nursing required her to look at situations in black and white, but her social work training has allowed her to think in the gray.

As a school nurse, Mones deals with children with physical issues, as well as those with psycho-social problems. "I wanted to intervene early in these children's lives," said Mones, who chose the USC program for its holistic approach in treating both physical and mental issues.

"As a nurse, it is my job to educate a patient on their medications so they can take them properly. If I follow up with that same patient later, and they haven't taken their meds, I've learned not to become frustrated," she said. "Instead, I assess to see what reasons may have prevented that patient from taking their medication. Is it a lack of medical insurance, transportation or other personal issues? This program has aided me in learning how I can better help patients."

Mones' coursework also includes a pupil personnel services credential with a school counseling specialization and a case management certificate. After graduation, she hopes to find employment in a work setting, where she can utilize both her nursing and social work education.