For excellence in public health nursing practice: Samantha Baker not only has a love for nursing, but has done an excellent job working in the area of public health. She is extremely motivated to seek out new learning experiences, expanding her knowledge. She has shown great aptitude in working in challenging environments with all types of patients. She shines when working with vulnerable clients, anticipating their needs and thinking outside the box when envisioning their care. She is professional, able to think critically, and jumps into nursing’s collaborative team approach in the public health environment. She keeps her focus on patient safety while being responsive to the needs of the patient and family.

For the personification of a critically reflective attitude about learning and teaching: Chrystal has demonstrated significant growth and development in her teaching and leadership skills through the Master's program. She consistently takes the initiative to excel in her coursework and seeks additional experiences that add to her thinking about nursing education. Her capacity for critical reflection has enriched her learning, as well as that of her fellow learners.

For caring, compassion, and interpersonal communication: “As long as I have known Rachel Choquette,” says her nominator, “she has been exceptionally caring –toward fellow students, faculty, staff, or patients. She has shown true compassion and caring in all of her clinical experiences, but most notably during her capstone experience. Rachel worked with a variety of patients. Whether she was talking with family members who have just lost their father or with a patient coming out of surgery, her strength was in ‘being there,’ truly listening, and helping the patient and their family. On several occasions Rachel’s preceptors commented about her caring demeanor and her ability to listen and truly connect with her patients."

For a senior outstanding in family nursing: Kelby Dickerson has shown great passion in her clinical rotation in the Family Care Unit at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. She is a leader among her peers, and will continue to exemplify the characteristics of caring and advocacy for the families she will encounter as a nurse. She has demonstrated both kindness and strong clinical knowledge in her short time here.

For caring, compassion and interpersonal communication: Joseph Falcone demonstrated skills far beyond his educational training during his Medical Surgical rotation at Platte County Memorial Hospital in Wheatland. Joe assessed a patient who quickly began to deteriorate, so notified the nurse in charge. The patient was placed back on Cpap. Joe noted a continued deterioration, so again approached the nurse. The patient went into severe respiratory distress and was intubated at the bedside. Advocating for his patient, Joe—along with the gathered team of physician, ER, OR, experienced ICU RN and flight team—was an active participant in saving the patient's life. Joe is an excellent student and will make a wonderful nurse.

Leadership & Political Activism: Mariah Kepler joined a school brigade in Agua Salada, Honduras. The clinic environment is challenging physically, emotionally, and professionally. She met those challenges head-on, providing empathic, culturally competent care. Mariah demonstrated leadership consistently during the nine-day trip. She prioritized the needs of the most challenged among both patients and team members and led by example. Continually wanting to learn, she took on the most onerous clinic tasks with focus and determination. Upon return, she recruited others for the next trip, participating in fundraising. She will use strong leadership skills as she moves forward as an RN, and has great promise for a global health career.

Lucas Simmons worked on the medical floor at CRMC, where at least 80% of his patients were geriatric, with a variety of illnesses including COPD, hepatic failure, alcoholism, seizures, diabetes, keto-acidosis, etc. Lucas was extremely patient, always respectful of those in his care. Patients asked where he was each day, and one patient cried when she discovered he was not working. Lucas was the one person who could get a particular geriatric patient with a mental disorder to do what was needed every time. He remained calm and direct in all situations without making patients feel inadequate. Lucas is a very compassionate and caring student nurse who touched the lives of many patients and staff on the floor.

Cheryl Thomas was a follower after earning her ADN in Louisiana in 2003. She went to work and did what was expected. But after 13 years of nursing practice, she is now a leader, holding a charge nurse position on a 20-bed ICU, acting as relief house supervisor and certified in administering chemotherapy. In 2015 she won the RN/Nursing Team of the Year Award at Willis-Knighton Bossier Health Center. She is a preceptor, has management responsibilities, is an active member on several committees, and advocates not only for patients and families, but for her peers. Her positive attitude in online courses has earned respect from peers and instructors. A life-long learner, she is considering graduate school to become an FNP.