Clinical nursing instructor honored by March of Dimes

Mary Petersen, longtime clinical instructor for the UNMC College of Nursing, has received the March of Dimes Heroes in Action Award in the education and research category.

Nursing colleagues surprised Petersen with news of the award at a celebration on Nov. 29.

The award, presented by the Nebraska/Western Iowa chapter of the March of Dimes, recognizes nurses who have made significant contributions in education or the professional development of nursing professionals and/or nursing research. That includes but is not not limited to clinical nurse leaders, nurse educators, instructors, nurse researchers or professors.

“Mary Petersen is one of the most dedicated and loyal faculty at the UNMC College of Nursing,” said interim associate dean Tiffany Moore, PhD. “She is a passionate student advocate and has unending support to the students and to their education. She is a colleague, friend and mentor to all, and we are so grateful for her service to the college and state of Nebraska. Mary is so deserving of this prestigious award.”

Juliann Sebastian, PhD, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, said Petersen indeed was a deserving recipient.

“Her dedication to student learning and helping all students achieve high expectations is inspiring,” Dr. Sebastian said. “Mary’s compassion and empathy, combined with her commitment to the highest standards for nursing, create the world-class learning environment we want for students. She is also a fabulous colleague and works hard to achieve the UNMC College of Nursing’s mission and vision. I am proud that she is a longstanding faculty member and I congratulate her on an award very well deserved.”

Petersen’s nominators for the national award added accolades such as:

• “As a diligent and resourceful individual, her altruistic behaviors make a lasting impact on students.”
• “We have witnessed her calm, friendly demeaner in providing a nice balance of expectations and grace to curb student apprehension.”
• “We have also witnessed her unyielding concern and shrewd attention to unpredictable student dynamics such as family crises, impending labor signs, illness symptoms, and suicide warning signs thus making a lasting impact.”
• “She has the innate ability to organize meetings or conduct learning activities while leading with an unbiased, empathetic, and non-judgmental attitude.”
• “ Portraying a positive, professional, and lasting impression upon nursing students and the organization is a goal thus leading the overall professional image of UNMC College of Nursing.”
• “She is able to eloquently learn from setbacks and failures, as well as successes, through reflective practice and an understanding that all leadership begins from within”

“My appreciation is beyond words,” Petersen said after receiving the award. “I am grateful for my career, the students and the incredible faculty that I work with every day.”