Conway Nursing Pathway Program
Only in pediatrics can you save a lifetime.®
The Conway Nursing Pathway Program is designed to support aspiring nurses in building successful careers in pediatric nursing at Children’s National Hospital, recognized as one of the nation’s top pediatric hospitals. Funded through a philanthropic contribution from William and Joanne Conway, the program offers high school and college students the opportunity to explore the field of pediatric nursing. Participants, known as Conway Pathfinders, benefit from mentorship provided by current Children’s National nurses who are advancing their education. The initiative seeks to attract and retain highly qualified nursing professionals, in part by alleviating the financial challenges often associated with pursuing higher education.
Participants are offered numerous opportunities for career development and advancement, including summer work placements, scholarships and individualized nurse mentoring. These initiatives support students pursuing careers in pediatric nursing and assist current nurses in maximizing their professional potential. Consequently, children and families will receive high-quality care delivered by skilled and dedicated nursing professionals.
Bedford Falls Foundation
The Conway Nursing Pathway Program is made possible through a generous philanthropic contribution from the Bedford Falls Foundation. Founded by William "Bill" Conway Jr. and Joanne Barkett Conway, the Bedford Falls Foundation Charitable Trust was created to grow and sustain their commitment to giving back.
Conway Nursing Pathway Program
2026 Application
Complete the Conway Nursing Pathway Program application to nominate a student pursuing a BSN or a nursing student completing an associate degree this semester.
Overcoming Challenges to Nurse Retention
The nursing profession faces factors drive an acute nursing shortage:
- An aging workforce retiring in greater numbers
- Burnout among nurses who quit to pursue another career
- An environment that does not prioritize meaningful reward reward and recognition
As the need for engaged talented pediatric nurses increases, Children’s National is more intentional in supporting transition-to-practice opportunities like the Conway Nursing Pathway Program.
The Pathway Program is a place where aspiring and existing nurses can launch or advance their careers. It accomplishes this through a mixture of financial support, hands-on experience and face-to-face connection with a supportive community and mentorship.
The Pathway Program is a safe port in this storm — a place where Children’s National is pioneering a new model of recruitment and retention that leads to lasting, beneficial careers.
To recruit new nurses, the Conway Program focuses on high school students, college students who have selected nursing as their major and nursing majors in associate degree programs committed to baccalaureate education. To retain exceptional nurses, the program helps existing Children’s National employees advance their studies and professional skills through scholarships and mentorship.
Relationships are the differentiator and the foundation of this program, which fosters health equity. The strength of the program can be seen in its outcomes.
Mourine Evans, MS, RN
Director, Conway Nursing Pathway
Pathfinder Students and Mentors
Meet our past Pathfinder program students and mentors.
Tracks and Eligibility Criteria
The Conway Nursing Pathway Program features three unique career pathways tracks.
Nominate a Pathfinder
Eligible students can be nominated as a Pathfinder by partner schools and programs.
