Advancing nursing education is a top priority at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel. This year’s annual nursing scholarship award ceremony saw 35 nurses receive scholarships to pursue advanced, specialized education. This marks a record-breaking number of nursing scholarships awarded in a single year.
Nursing scholarships awarded by Rambam were first established by the Spencer family in the USA and are primarily supported by them and, since 2022, the family of Hilary Stone in the United Kingdom. Friends of Rambam and the hospital’s nursing management, among others, also support nursing scholarships.
Over four decades ago, Cheryl Spencer z”l, dreamed of becoming a nurse, but tragically passed away before realizing her goal. Her parents, Aaron and the late Irma Spencer, established the Cheryl Spencer Nursing Award to honor her dream and fulfill it for others. Holding the award ceremony during Hanukkah has become a tradition at Rambam. Since being established in 1975, 555 Cheryl Spencer scholarships have been awarded.
Hilary Stone z”l was a respected member of the London Jewish community. Her aunt, Mrs. Laura Simons, initiated the fund, which, to date, has provided 43 scholarships.
The generosity and vision of each donor has enabled the professional development of 645 Rambam nurses. As a result, 96% of Rambam’s nursing staff hold academic nursing degrees.
This year, 35 nurses were awarded scholarships to purse advanced studies, including academic degrees, clinical specialties, and advanced training programs. These opportunities allow each recipient to choose from among four professional career tracks: clinical, managerial, leadership, or academic.
“This year has been challenging for all of us as we navigated personal and professional difficulties,” said Gila Hyams, Director of Nursing, during the ceremony. “During the war, we provided exceptional care in our Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital – without compromise. Our approach, grounded in dedication, professionalism, and purpose, is effective and essential.”
Representatives of the Spencer and Stone families usually participate or attend the annual ceremony held in the Cheryl Spencer Auditorium at Rambam, as do family members of the scholarship recipients. Although the Spencer family could not attend this year, they shared a heartfelt video message, inspiring the awardees with their continued support.
“This moment reflects nearly fifty years of commitment to advancing nursing education,” Hyams added. “It’s the perfect opportunity to honor our long-standing friends and partners. We thank them wholeheartedly and wish the scholarship recipients great success—for the benefit of patients across Northern Israel.”
