Laura Koke, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student at IU School of Nursing, was recently awarded a Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (NEF) Scholarship for 2025-2026 academic year.
Koke is honored to be awarded the NEF Susan Bowar-Ferres Scholarship devoted to nursing leadership in the Magnet Recognition Program that recognizes healthcare organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence, and innovations in professional nursing practice. Consumers rely on Magnet designation as the ultimate credential for high quality nursing.
Koke has held a variety of nursing roles including stem cell clinic nurse for transplant patients, oncology nurse, infusion nurse, team leader, and Lymphoma nurse navigator. In addition to attending graduate nursing school part time, Koke has worked as the Riley Children’s Health’s Magnet Program Coordinator for the past three years, leading initiatives to achieve and maintain nursing excellence. Her performance in this role underscores her unwavering dedication to advancing the nursing profession and enhancing the healthcare experience for patients, their families, and team members.
In her current role and while pursuing her MSN degree, Koke submitted successful Magnet® documentation, supported a Magnet® site visit, and supported Riley to ultimately achieve its 5th Magnet® designation. She also developed another research study measuring the effectiveness of professional governance at Riley Children’s Health. This work is foundational to implement systemwide nursing professional governance change at Riley for 1,600 nurses.
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Founded in 1914, Indiana University School of Nursing is one of the largest nursing programs in Indiana that offers programs from the BSN through the doctorate. The school is composed of campuses in Bloomington, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis.