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 their state convention in Grand Forks on January 24. She is the fourth NDSU faculty member to receive the state Nurse Educator of the Year award over the last four years.

McDaniel implemented mental health/suicide prevention information in nursing classes. She also started an elective online Contemporary Issues of Mental Health Nursing course with nursing faculty member Dr. 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 participated in the Snap the Stigma program created by pharmacy faculty members Dr. Elizabeth Skoy and Dr. 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. Her philosophy is informed by her commitment to lifelong learning as a nurse, mother, doctoral candidate, and martial artist. 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 also 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 graduate of the nursing program at NDSU, I am proud to be a faculty member in this program,” said McDaniel, a native of Mandan, North Dakota.

The NDSU School of Nursing in the College of Health Professions provides bachelor’s and graduate nursing education to advance knowledge of nursing, demonstrate leadership, and meet the needs of a diverse society. Programs are available for part- and full-time students, working professionals and those seeking online educational opportunities. NDSU provides nursing education at sites in Fargo and Bismarck, North Dakota.  Find out more at www.ndsu.edu/nursing

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