Joelle Craft, MA, BSN, RN, CCRN, NPD-BC, is grateful recipient of the Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing, New York Alumnae Association/Edith G. Ryan and Joan Herman Bilder Scholarship. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program within the Department of Nursing at Morehead State University.  Joelle began her nursing career in 2012 after earning an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Morehead State University, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2017.

Prior to becoming a nurse, she earned a Master of Arts in Studio Art.  Although she found fulfillment in her work, her experiences and the individuals she encountered inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. She felt a strong sense of purpose in caring for others, and nursing quickly became a natural path.

Since 2012, she has been a bedside charge nurse in the intensive care unit. She later transitioned into her current role as a clinical educator in a rural hospital, where she supports nursing staff and promotes excellence in clinical practice.  

Joelle holds certifications as a Critical Care Registered Nurse and in Nursing Professional Development, reflecting her commitment to clinical excellence and lifelong learning. These certifications demonstrate her dedication to maintain high standards of care and advancing the nursing profession through education and mentorship.

Joelle chose to return to Morehead State University for graduate study due to the positive academic experiences she had as an undergraduate, particularly the mentorship she received from faculty.

As a future family nurse practitioner, she is committed to delivering holistic, equitable, and patient-centered care to individuals and families in her community, particularly in the primary care setting.

The Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing, New York Alumnae Association/Edith G. Ryan and Joan Herman Bilder Scholarship provides critical financial support, enabling her to focus on her academic goals while continuing to care for her family. It also affords her valuable time with her young daughter, reducing the need for additional work hours during this important stage of life.