Becky McDaniel, assistant professor of practice in the NDSU School of Nursing, was named state Nurse Educator of the Year by the North Dakota Nursing Students’ Association at the group’s state convention in Grand Forks Jan. 24. She is the fourth NDSU faculty member to receive the state award during the last four years.
McDaniel implemented mental health and suicide prevention information in nursing classes. She also started an elective online Contemporary Issues of Mental Health Nursing course with nursing faculty member Kathleen Swanson.
In addition, McDaniel facilitated collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, participated in the NDSU Healthy Herd Champions “Talk Saves Lives” training and took part in the Snap the Stigma program created by pharmacy faculty members Elizabeth Skoy and Amy Werremeyer to de-stigmatize and humanize issues related to mental illness.
McDaniel’s philosophy of nursing is based on her belief that everyone learns differently and has a contribution to make. She includes a variety of learning activities for students in the classroom, such as in-depth observations, group skits and a visit from a service dog training to work with veterans experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“It has been an honor to provide opportunities for nursing students in suicide prevention,” said McDaniel, who has been involved with the Out of Darkness Walk Committee for the past four years. On behalf of the NDSU School of Nursing, she previously received a Lifesaver Community Award from the North Dakota chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
“As a graduate of the nursing program at NDSU, I am proud to be a faculty member in this program,” said McDaniel, who is a native of Mandan, North Dakota.
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