Internships & Programs

Friends of Nursing

What is it?
The family of a former patient started Friends of Nursing in 1988 to thank Duke Health System nurses for the excellent care they provide. Over the years, that family's gift has been multiplied by donations from many other grateful individuals and corporations. Together, those generous donations have helped Friends of Nursing support the careers and professional development of more than 1,000 nurses.

The Friends of Nursing program exists to recognize and reward nurses for all the valuable roles they play: caregiver, educator, researcher, colleague, patient advocate and friend. The program also encourages nurses' career development, helping them provide even better patient care.

Recognizing their Accomplishments:
Friends of Nursing gives Duke/Durham Regional/Duke Health Raleigh staff, patients and patients' families the opportunity to nominate exceptional nurses for awards. These "Excellence in Nursing" awards, which carry an educational scholarship, are presented at the annual Friends of Nursing Gala.

Advancing their Professional Development:
Each year Friends of Nursing awards stipends to nurses making presentations at regional, national and international nursing and health care facilities.

Furthering their Education:
Several times a year Friends of Nursing's Martha White Blalock Nurse Scholar's program sponsors lectures by nationally renowned nurse scholars and clinicians.