North Dakota State University faculty members Maggie Mackowick, Becky McDaniel and Brittney Mueller have received Legendary Nurse Awards from the North Dakota Center for Nursing.

Brittney Mueller received the Legendary Nurse Award for Leadership. Mueller serves as simulation coordinator at NDSU Nursing at Sanford Health in Bismarck, North Dakota. Her curriculum innovations focus on developing new simulations for students including: a leadership/management simulation where students learn to prioritize care for multiple patients; and a mental health simulation where students learn to communicate with and care for a patient with suicidal ideation.

Among her colleagues, Mueller advocates technology and active learning to prepare future nurses. One of the award nominations for Mueller noted that “She never hesitates to take the lead to make a change that will enhance students’ learning experiences, improve the pre-licensure nursing curriculum, or streamline the efficiency of operations within her organization.”

Maggie Mackowick, assistant professor of practice in the NDSU School of Nursing in Fargo, received a Legendary Nurse Award for Faculty Achievement. A former student who nominated Mackowick for the award said Mackowick’s passion for nursing is evident in every lecture.

“Her teaching style is vivid,” wrote the nominator, who mentioned Mackowick as engaging and innovative in the classroom.  “As a nurse in practice at the bedside, I am transported back to the classroom with her clear explanation of the disease process or treatment methodology. Her passion for nursing is contagious and she inspires all of us with her integrity and poise.” The nominator noted that Mackowick has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of students over her more than 25-year career in nursing education.

Becky McDaniel, assistant professor of practice in the NDSU School of Nursing in Fargo, received a Legendary Nurse Award for Faculty Achievement. A current student nominator emphasized McDaniel’s attention to using many different teaching methods to effectively engage students in learning. “She uses skits, role playing, guest speakers and case studies to engage her students,” said one nominator.

When the coronavirus pandemic required an immediate switch to online learning in spring 2020 semester, McDaniel used technology to keep students connected to each other, while also supporting them with self-care activity assignments and using a variety of communication channels to personally follow up with each student. “She went out of her way to communicate with students…. Her passion for education and the nursing profession is evident,” wrote the nominator.

The North Dakota Center for Nursing began the Legendary Nurse Award program in 2015 to honor exemplary nurses across North Dakota.

“Having three of our nursing faculty members receive these awards in 2020 recognizes innovative educators that make a difference every day to prepare future highly skilled and caring nurses,” said Dr. Carla Gross, chair and associate dean in the NDSU School of Nursing. “Through their teaching, they make significant contributions to the profession of nursing.”

The NDSU School of Nursing in the College of Health Professions provides bachelor’s and graduate nursing education. Programs are available for part- and full-time students, working professionals and those seeking online educational opportunities. 

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