Faculty Earn Nominations for Positive Image of Nursing Award

Two Clarkson College faculty members received nominations for the Nebraska Nurses Association (NNA) 2019 Positive Image of Nursing Award. Undergraduate Nursing Assistant Professor Jill Vawter and Undergraduate Nursing Instructor Valerine King attended a celebratory breakfast along with their fellow nominees on April 27 to be recognized for their contributions to the nursing profession.

Clarkson College faculty and community members nominated both Vawter and King for the award. An instructor at the College since 2015, Vawter currently teaches theory and clinical courses to students pursuing their Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Her career spans more than 10 years, and she feels honored to be recognized among the many other established nursing professionals nominated for the award.

“I was so humbled to be nominated by my peers and represent Clarkson College at the Nebraska Nurses Association awards ceremony,” said Vawter. “It was wonderful being in a room with so many positive and influential nurses who are making a difference every day.”

King joined Clarkson College as an instructor in August 2013 after a varied career in multiple areas including the cardiac unit, gastrointestinal procedure lab and pediatric case management. She has taught in both the Licensed Practical Nurse and Bachelor of Science in Nursing program options during her time at the College with a primary focus on medical surgical courses. King also serves as the faculty advisor for the Student Nurses Association on campus.

“Being nominated for this award was a great honor,” said King. “Nebraska has a strong nursing community, and it’s a great feeling to be recognized by my peers. I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by people who are so encouraging and uplifting. This is just another reminder of the amazing community we have.”

Both Vawter and King attended the awards ceremony at the Scott Conference Center in April. Attendees enjoyed breakfast as well as a keynote address by Vice President of Advanced Practice and the Continuing Care Network at CHI Health Dr. Brenda Bergman-Evans, Ph.D., APRN-NP/CNS, FAANP. She is the most recent inductee into the NNA Hall of Fame and a leader within the Omaha nursing community.

NNA hosts the annual awards celebration to honor professionals who exemplify a positive image in nursing through their dedication and commitment to the field. Organizations, colleagues and students may nominate registered nurses for the Positive Image of Nursing award. Each application must include a statement explaining how the nominee promotes what it means to be a nurse on a daily basis.