We exist to improve the lives of everyone we touch, and one of the ways we do that is by recognizing and supporting the next generation of compassionate nurses through our Compassion in Care Scholarship. Each year, we’re blown away by the stories, passion, and purpose of nursing students who are already making an impact and show a desire to refresh healthcare. Let’s learn more about our nursing scholarship and meet this year’s well-deserving winners!

• What is the Compassion in Care Scholarship?
• Meet the 2025 scholarship winners
• Frequently asked questions

Supporting Future Nurses: Compassion in Care Scholarship Winners 2025

What is the Compassion in Care Scholarship?

It can be tough to complete all the requirements it takes to add “nurse” to your professional business card. That’s why we created the Compassion in Care Scholarship!

Designed to support undergraduate nursing students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, we award $5,000 to nursing students each year to help ease the financial challenges that may come with nursing school. Even better? The scholarship can be renewed for up to four years. Whether you’re just starting your BSN program or already deep into your studies, you’re eligible to apply for the Compassion in Care Scholarship as long as you stay within the nursing field.

Related: How Fusion Medical Staffing Recognizes BSN Students and Healthcare Travelers

But it’s more than just financial assistance — recipients get paired with a caring Fusion mentor who’s been through nursing school themselves, ready to offer advice and encouragement along the way!  

Meet the 2025 scholarship winners

Leading with heart

With a tender heart and a deep passion for supporting mothers through one of the most important moments of their lives, Leah Gerber is a future labor and deliver (L&D) nurse on a mission to improve the lives of others. Inspired by Ina May Gaskin, often called the “mother of modern midwifery,” Leah dreams of creating a calm, nurturing space where every patient feels heard, respected, and truly cared for.

President of the Nurses for Wellness Association and an active member of both the National Student Nurses Association and Sigma Kappa Eta, Leah’s a core member of her community and determined to make a positive difference.  

“I am truly honored and grateful to have been selected as a recipient of Fusion’s Compassion in Care Scholarship,” said Leah. “This scholarship means so much to me — it not only helps ease the financial burden of nursing school, but it also affirms my commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Being recognized by Fusion encourages me to keep pushing forward and reminds me that I am supported by a community that values empathy, dedication, and excellence in nursing.”

With a strong foundation in leadership, a deep-rooted passion for maternal health, and a heart full of empathy, Leah’s ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of mothers and families.

A family legacy of strength

Heart, heritage, and a strong sense of purpose — that’s what you can expect from Olivia Gifford.

A tutor at the University of Arkansas’s Student-Athlete Success Center and member of the Native American Student Association, Olivia is driven to support others and inspired by her great-grandmother, Margaretha Ter Braake — a WWII nurse whose legacy of strength and service continues to guide her.

“Receiving this scholarship from Fusion means so much to me,” Olivia shared. “It eases the financial burden of my education and brings me one step closer to achieving my academic and career goals! I am honored to receive this scholarship as recognition of my hard work and potential. This scholarship opens new opportunities for growth in and out of the classroom by allowing me to pursue internships and research opportunities.”

With her heart set on following in her great-grandmother’s footsteps, Olivia’s well on her way to becoming the kind of nurse who truly sees — and serves — the whole person.

Family roots to nursing dreams

Kim Hoang’s journey to nursing is rooted in love, legacy, and a calling to serve others. A proud member of the National Student Nurses Association, Chi Omega, and a youth leader for the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement, Kim’s passionate about giving back. Through her grandfather, a Vietnam War veteran, Kim discovered what she was meant for.

“When I am asked why I want to become a nurse, my answer is because I want to care for others,” said Kim. “While it may be a simple answer, it all comes down to the principle that nurses must willingly put the life of a patient before their own. Like my grandpa.”

Though she always knew she wanted to work in the medical field, her grandfather’s passing deeply impacted her and solidified her decision to become a nurse.

“Receiving this scholarship is an incredible honor that fuels my passion and purpose,” she said. “I’m beyond grateful for the support as I continue my journey in nursing and giving back to my community. This opportunity brings me one step closer to making a difference in people’s lives.”

From patient to provider

Experiencing health issues can change you, and for Allison Byers, it awakened a part of her she’d never known — one that would lead her to nursing. From working as a patient care tech, assisted living caregiver, and certified nursing assistant (CNA) to serving her community through nearly 40 hours of volunteer work (think blood drives, trash pickups, and fundraising car washes), Allison’s commitment to others never wavered.

You may also like: Want To Grow Your Career from CNA to RN? Here’s How!

But the reason she aspires to be a nurse is personal. At age 11, Allison was misdiagnosed with migraines, but her condition — idiopathic intracranial hypertension — was far more serious. After visiting multiple hospitals, a determined doctor finally diagnosed her correctly and warned that, without her mom’s relentless advocacy, Allison could’ve lost her vision.

That experience shaped her ardor for patient care. Watching the nurses who supported her through some of her scariest moments helped her realize she wanted to be that kind of support for others.

“Winning this scholarship is of the utmost importance to me,” said Allison. “It provides financial opportunities to help me finish my bachelor's degree in nursing and it provides me with access and connections to mentorship. This scholarship has brought me one step closer to achieving my goals that include caring for patients and giving back to the community through nursing. I’m very grateful and appreciative of this opportunity!”

A heart in the right place and an unforgettable story, Allison is the epitome of turning challenges into meaningful change.

Fueled by purpose, focused on care

For Payton Tull, nursing is more than a career path — it’s a tribute to strength, perseverance, and the power of compassionate care. A dedicated member of the National Student Nurses Association and a tutor at Midland University’s Academic Resource Center, Payton’s always felt called to healthcare.

Encouraged by her father, a pharmacist who continued to serve his patients selflessly while battling stage four metastatic cancer, Payton’s drive to make a difference in the lives of others runs deep. With long-term goals of attending a doctoral nursing program, she’s committed to becoming not only a skilled clinician but also a leader in patient-centered care.

“Receiving this scholarship means the world to me,” Payton said. “It brings me one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a compassionate and skilled nurse, without the overwhelming burden of financial stress. I’m truly honored to be selected by such an inspiring organization, and I’m incredibly excited to learn more about Fusion.”

With her father as her biggest cheerleader, there’s nothing keeping Payton from accomplishing her goals.

Learning from love

If you’ve ever seen someone you love struggle with their health, then you know there’s no right way to cope. For Megan Johnston, watching her mother navigate breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in fourth grade opened her eyes to the resilience and bravery of nurses. The kindness and expertise of her mother’s medical team showed Megan the type of nurse she wanted to be — one who could be a steady, comforting presence in difficult times.

“I want to use my own experiences and be the calm in the storm for patients and families who are experiencing life-altering illness or injury,” she said. “A career in nursing will be a perfect fit for me, combining my love for science and my desire to help people.”

With this vigor fueling her journey, the Compassion in Care Scholarship has become an important step in making her nursing dreams a reality.

“Receiving this scholarship has helped make college more affordable and lessened my financial burden,” Megan shared. “I feel much more confident going to college now, as I will not have to worry so much about paying for tuition. I am very excited to have a nurse mentor, as it will be invaluable to have someone ‘show me the ropes’ as I navigate nursing school. I’m very thankful for this opportunity.”

Humble, hopeful, and healing

Olivia Johnson is a CNA who’s as passionate about science as she is about caring for people. With her dad as her biggest inspiration, teaching her to always stay humble, kind, positive, and caring, Olivia’s used these lessons to launch her nursing career.

As a CNA, Olivia’s gaining valuable hands-on experience while preparing to take the next step.

“I’m extremely grateful and excited to receive this scholarship!” She said. “It means a lot to me and because of this, I will be able to achieve my goal of becoming an RN and further my strong passion in helping people get better. Thank you again for considering and choosing me for this scholarship!”

With her big heart and clear focus, Olivia’s ready to take on what comes next.

Frequently asked questions

What do the Compassion in Care Scholarship winners receive?

Our nursing student scholarship gives more than financial assistance — it gives students someone in their corner. Winners receive $5,000 and are matched with a Fusion nurse mentor to walk alongside them through the ups and downs of nursing school.  

When with the Compassion in Care Scholarship application reopen?

Didn’t get a chance to apply this year? Don’t stress — another opportunity is right around the corner! The Compassion in Care Scholarship will be open for applications starting November 1, 2025, and you’ll have until February 28, 2026 to throw your hat in the ring. Winners will be announced in spring 2026, so set a reminder and start noodling on what to include in your scholarship application.

What other awards and scholarships do Fusion offer nurses and allied health professionals?

At Fusion, we see the heart you put into nursing — and we believe it deserves to be celebrated. ICYMI, we offer more than just jobs; we offer opportunities to support your journey in healthcare.

In addition to our Compassion in Care Scholarship, we also honor one nurse and one allied health traveler each year with our Traveling Hearts Award — a way to spotlight those who live out our core values of being humble, driven, and positive. Winners get a $2,000 bonus, custom trophy, and some well-earned Fusion swag.

And the support doesn’t stop there. As a DAISY Foundation partner, we’re also honored to recognized nurses with a DAISY Award, which comes with a certificate, DAISY pin, and a beautiful hand-carved “Healer’s Tough” sculpture.

When you travel with us, it doesn’t matter if you’re just getting started or if you’ve been traveling for years — we’re here to support and cheer you on every step of the way.

The Compassion in Care Scholarship is just one way we show how much we believe in the future of nursing. Your story reminds us why our work matters and why investing in your dreams is worth every effort. To students stepping into the world of nursing: keep shining your light and caring with all your heart.

Ready to embark on your travel nursing career? Learn more about how to get started in travel nursing and explore our available jobs!