History

The Maryland DC Chapter of the Society of Otorhinolaryngology Head-Neck Nurses has been chartered since 1985. Chapter membership enable ORL nurses to network with colleagues participate in community outreach and enhance their knowledge of ORL practice. In the past few years, economic issues have forced health care facilities to significantly reduce or eliminate financial assistance to nurses who wish to attend continuing education seminars This funding is important for participation in continuing education programs or maintain board certification in ORL nursing.


The Vondersmith fund is a scholarship fund for active members of the Maryland/DC Chapters SOHN that provides financial assistant to who wish to attend ORL related educational programs or to achieve certification in ORL head and Neck Nursing.

The fund was established in 2001 following a generous donation by a grateful patient, Bernard Vondersmith. Bernie was diagnosed and treated for hypopharyngeal cancer. He wanted to recognize the expertise of Joyce McAdoo, RN, CORLN who had been assigned to care of him. Bernie understood the importance of ORL Head and Neck specialty nursing and wanted to enable other nurses to achieve expertise in the specialty by facilitating educational opportunities.

Bernie died of his cancer in 2005, leaving a legacy that well be longed remembered and appreciated.

The MD/DC chapter has established a policy to guide the use of the Vondersmith Fund. This policy included eligibility criteria, the application process, and guidelines for record keeping.


Vondersmith Scholarship Fund Use and Management

I. Purpose

To provide financial assistance to the member of the MD/DC chapter of SOHN who wish to attend ORL related educational programs or to achieve certification in our specialty.

II. Eligibility Criteria

a. Must be a current member of MD/DC Chapter of SOHN
b. Must have been a paid member for at least one year
c. Must have attended 3⁄4 of yearly meetings.
d. Must submit a completed application for scholarship fund to the chairperson of the Educational Committee three weeks prior to the program date.
e. Must complete an evaluation form and give a brief report of the attended program, at the meeting following the program.
f. Funding is only available for ORL head and Neck nurses related education programs and certification/recertification in ORL Neck and Neck Nursing.

III. Funding Criteria

a. Educational Programs
i. A member may receive only one educational grant, not to exceed $300.00 per fiscal year, January to December.
ii. A member may wait to be reimbursed for conference if they plan on attending several conferences in one year. This may not exceed $300.00.
iii. During year of recertification, and individual who is in good standing with the chapter and has attended 3⁄4 of meeting, may access the fund for both recertification and conference attendance.

b. Specialty Certification
i. A member may be reimbursed for CORLN certification upon submission of certification.

IV. Application Process
a. Once application has been received by the Education Committee Chair it will be evaluated for eligibility.
b. The Education Committee Chair will forward the application to the treasurer.
c. The treasurer will draft the check and send it to the recipient.
d. Applications must be submitted at the Summer/Fall meeting.

V. Record Keeping/Reporting
a. The MD/DC chapter treasurer will manage the funds
b. The funds will be kept in an interest bearing account.
c. The treasurer will give a financial report at each SOHN meeting.
d. An annual report will be given at the annual business meeting.
e. A copy of the funds report will be forwarded to Bernie Vondersmith.

VI. The fund will be replenished through fundraising and donations to the chapter.
New 7/02 revised 5/03, 6/03, 2/10

Click here to download the Vondersmith Fund Reimbursement Application for Members Maryland/DC Chapter SOHN


How to contribute

Please make check or money order to:

Maryland/ DC Chapter SOHN Vondersmith Fund

Mail to:
Melinda DeSell
601 N. Caroline Street, 6th floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21287