Pictured above: Whitney Smith, RN, BSN, with Campbell County Health Emergency Department
University of Wyoming faculty and students work with "preceptors" - nurses who mentor our students in a variety of clinical settings. The Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing, in an effort to recognize preceptors--especially those who go above and beyond--presents an award annually to a preceptor in those UW School of Nursing programs with clinical components. Students nominate preceptors for these awards.
The preceptor chosen from the Basic BSN program is Whitney Smith, worked as a nurse in Campbell County Health Emergency Department in Gillette, Wyoming at the time she precepted our student. The student who nominated our winner said the following:
“Stepping into the nursing world as a student is intimidating to say the least. The overwhelming desire to know everything coupled with inevitable imperfection is a stressful relationship. However, having a preceptor who understands these emotions and remembers what it is like to be in our shoes can make a world of difference—and I was lucky enough to have just that. My preceptor, Whitney Smith, has gone above and beyond to facilitate my transition from student to professional. As a FWWSON alumnus, Whitney truly embodies the type of nurse the program strives to produce. Whitney has truly committed herself to my education, providing me the time, understanding, and expertise necessary to allow me to grow and develop, preparing me to make the difference I want to and know I can make. Throughout my clinical capstone, Whitney continually provided me the gentle nudge that I needed towards independence while ensuring that I was supported through every step. Whitney’s expertise and passion for ER nursing has inspired me every day to explore unfamiliar concepts or learn a new skill. I truly believe I have been able to reach my full potential under Whitney’s knowledge and guidance. I owe every ‘you will make a great nurse’ patient comment to Whitney’s ability to educate.
Whitney Smith absolutely deserves to be recognized for her contribution and commitment to ensuring quality healthcare delivery by shaping nursing students into fantastic graduate nurses. I am not only nominating Whitney for the Preceptor of the Year award, but HIGHLY recommending, STRONGLY urging, and FIRMLY advocating that she is provided the recognition she deserves. Though I could go on and on about my gratitude, I will put it the best way I know how—if one day I end up being half the nurse Whitney is, I will count that a success in my book."
–Sierra Vetter, Basic BSN Student 2021
Thank you, Whitney, for your willingness to precept our students!
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Page updated: 09-01-2021