Dr. Culross honored as 2015 Nurse of the Year

Beth Culross, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the College of Nursing-Omaha Division, was named the 2015 March of Dimes Nurse of the Year by the Nebraska March of Dimes in November.

In a publicity statement announcing the recognition of Dr. Culross, the March of Dimes lauded her for her work as an educator and certified clinical nurse specialist.

“Beth works effectively with both undergraduate students, graduate students and practicing nurses to promote excellence in geriatric care delivery,” the organization said in announcing Dr. Culross’s award. “Her passion for the geriatric patient and nursing education makes her an effective advocate for the geriatric population and a mentor for students and other health care professionals who care for the geriatric population.

“This nurse incorporates technology into all that she does in her educator role. Dr. Culross also supervises student clinical experiences with the geriatric population where she mentors students in evidence-based care of this vulnerable patient population.”

Dr. Culross said she saw the award as not just an accolade for herself, but for the work of the College of Nursing and “the excellence that we have in our faculty and staff. Our students really are learning from people who are experts.”

The award also shows that the March of Dimes, which supports research and clinical care in prenatal and infant health, recognizes the breadth and depth of the nursing field, Dr. Culross said.

“I’m a geriatric nurse,” she said. “So for me to win an award from them, and for them to recognize that nursing serves so many different populations, I think that’s quite an honor.”

Dr. Culross also was recently inducted as a fellow in the National Gerontological Nurses Association. She is published in the field of gerontology, serves as a reviewer for two professional journals and is sought after nationally to present on topics pertaining to elder care. On top of her responsibilities as a regional and national leader, she lives her passion for education in her role as assistant professor at the UNMC College of Nursing.

Dr. Culross was one of 172 local nurses recognized at a Nov. 12 event and featured in Omaha Magazine, in partnership with Methodist Health System and West Corporation. Nurses are recognized for exceptional patient care, compassion, and service at the annual event.