Christine Phelan Kueter

The gift from longtime benefactors Joanne and Bill Conway will enable scholarships and other support for undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of programs.

When the pandemic struck and hospital break rooms were unexpectedly repurposed, three UVA Health nurses found a way for clinicians to take a breather during a shift. Two years later, the results of their “Room to Reflect” toolboxes are in.

Flores, who learned English after she came to the U.S. six years ago, graduated at the top of her high school class and plans to become a neonatal nurse, and to continue studying art.

In Virginia, most nurse practitioners operate under the supervision of a medical doctor. But during COVID-19, the governor temporarily relaxed rules to allow more nurse practitioners to work autonomously.

“When I’m the interpreter, I really feel like I’m that person – I become them,” said Liz Cook, who grew up in a Deaf family and signs for UVA Health.