Emily Clark of New Harmony, Indiana, has received the Lucy C. Perry Scholarship from the Nurses Educational Funds (NEF), a national nonprofit organization that provides financial support to nurses seeking advanced degrees. She is a graduate nursing student in USI’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.
Her journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Lafayette, Indiana. She says her decision to specialize in psychiatric nursing was inspired by her firsthand experience of the acute need for mental health services, particularly in underserved rural communities.
Emily’s background spans various settings, including inpatient locked psychiatric units, detox units and the prison system. Her role as a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) further demonstrates her commitment to supporting vulnerable populations with empathy and expertise. Currently as a behavioral health case manager, Emily facilitates patients' transition from institutional care back into their communities, ensuring continuity of care and preventing crises through proactive support and intervention.
The Lucy C. Perry Scholarship holds profound significance for Emily, providing not only financial support but also validating her dedication to advancing her education in mental health care. This recognition affirms her potential and fuels her determination to excel in her studies.
