This educator holds herself to a high standard and expects the same from her students.  Her students comment that they are always expected to do their best and are encouraged to ask questions in order to develop critical thinking.  She volunteered to serve on the Committee of Student Academic Progress and Professionalism and has served to mentor faculty and students into what it means to be a nursing professional.  In her own doctoral studies, she consistently receives high marks for her work and creativity.  This individual takes accountability as new projects arise.  When our in-person courses were forced to conduct our labor and delivery simulation virtually due to the pandemic, she took the lead in mentoring a new faculty member to create a breakout room experience utilizing exciting new technology.

She completed her MSN in Leadership & Management and Nursing Education in June 2019, graduating with distinction.  She is currently a DNP student through Capella University and plans to graduate in Fall 2023.  This educator completed the Invest in Nursing Faculty Fellowship for the 2020-2021 cohort.  This was highly competitive, as only seven fellows were selected from across the state of North Carolina.    Fellows work with mentors in the development of projects and integration of leadership strengths.  Her project topic was to enhance lost clinical experiences related to COVID-19 pandemic constraints using virtual simulation and electronic teaching methods.  She also has nominated and supported a novice faculty for this fellowship.  She is actively involved with students through faculty advisement and level lead course faculty status.  In addition to classroom and clinical teaching, she serves as the Co-chair of Curriculum and the Faculty Development Committees.   She is the Champion User for our virtual educational products, which support students and faculty in realizing transition to current practice goals.

This nurse is the first to look at a challenge as an opportunity.  She is unafraid to embrace technology and innovation to improve faculty and student outcomes.  This engagement has allowed our students and faculty to flourish as it relates to use of virtual resources.  Her hand is always up first to reach out to a vendor or to review a potential product that can augment both clinical and synchronous classroom experiences.  She is currently serving on the Curriculum Revision Planning Committee that is looking to examine how we can revise and continue to improve to meet the needs of our students, unit staff, employers, and best practice guidelines in nursing.  The next generation NCLEX is coming in 2023.  She is actively involved in ensuring our graduates and faculty are ready for this substantial change in testing format.

She collaborates with and mentors new faculty in both the classroom and clinical environments.  In planning for student learning, she always looks to incorporate key team members in the inpatient setting.  She encourages students to engage in interdisciplinary rounds and to voice their patient care concerns.  She ignites student interest through helping them see the essential role the RN plays as a member of the interprofessional team.

This educator created a two-day virtual community health experience, providing students an outstanding opportunity to research ways to serve populations in our local community during the pandemic.  Many students have commented on how valuable this learning opportunity has been.  Numerous students have verbalized that they now have an understanding of community resources and have developed a passion for teaching health promotion to the underserved populations of North Carolina.  Her enthusiasm for contributing to our profession is contagious!

When I think of this individual, I think about compassion.  There are so many examples of the way she cares for others.  She reaches out to those in need (faculty, students, unit staff) and works to brighten their day.  Those random acts of kindness and positivity have been a beacon in pandemic times.  She really listens and supports others at being the best versions of themselves.  She truly epitomizes Swanson’s Theory of Caring in her actions each and every day.

When the COVID 19 pandemic hit, this educator volunteered for additional duties.  To assist the Operations Administrator during night shift, she made rounds to provide support for staff, patients and families.  She also maintained updated information in the Command Center.  As a volunteer in the Emergency Department triage area, she pulled a man having a seizure from his car, ensured that staff had the proper PPE and helped transfer him safely to the ED.

The individual exudes compassion, excitement and an insatiable quest for improving nursing science through an innovative lens.