Honey Lake Hospice has announced that Preeti Misra is the recipient of the organization’s annual Marge Dunlavy Memorial Scholarship for 2024. This scholarship is awarded annually to the most deserving applicant who is pursuing a degree in a health-related field with a special interest in gerontology, oncology or hospice and palliative care.
Misra graduated from Lassen Community College with a degree in Licensed Vocational Nursing in May 2023, with plans to obtain her Registered Nursing degree. Currently, she works part-time as an LVN at Northeastern Rural Health Clinic.
She also volunteers for a local church, as well as Soroptimist International of Susanville and LCC nursing program events.
“Her instructors and advisor have been enthusiastically impressed with her commitment and amazing talent to learn,” explains Hospice Scholarship Chair Nancy Lounsbury.
“Overcoming the logistics of completing her prerequisites by taking online nursing courses from India by traveling to an internet café and using borrowed devices with a 14-hour time difference shows her perseverance and determination.”
Growing up, according to Lounsbury, Misra cared for her father who was diagnosed with polio in both legs. She also was involved in the care of her mother who succumbed in 2019 after a four-year battle with cancer. This was a pivotal moment for her as she realized the impact healthcare professionals could have on individuals and families. She knew she “wanted to make a difference in the lives of others through healthcare.”
LCC Nursing Program Director, Christi Meyers, was on a mission trip with her church to India when she initially met Misra.
“She was so impressed with the young woman and her desire to enter the healthcare profession that she developed a plan to assist her in coming to America.”
Misra had completed a Master’s Degree in Food and Nutrition in 2022.
“Because she is committed to helping others, she wanted to combine that education with a career in nursing. Pursuing her LVN at LCC was a logical step toward achieving this. In pursuit of her goal, Misra has applied and been accepted to the LCC Registered Nursing Program.”
Misra states, “One of the most critical aspects of healthcare is the relationship between healthcare professionals and their patients. Patients must feel comfortable and confident in the care they receive.”
Lounsbury says that the Hospice group is honored to be able to assist Misra in her chosen career.
Honey Lake Hospice is an all-volunteer organization providing services to our community since 2004. It is dedicated to offering end-of-life support with a program of flexible services providing compassionate and supportive care in the setting of the patient’s choosing.
For more information about Honey Lake Hospice and the services available call the hospice office at 530.257.3137.
