TAMIU Nursing Prof Receives Prestigious Daisy Faculty Award

The COVID-19 Pandemic has highlighted the pressing need for exceptionally well-trained frontline healthcare workers. In celebration of faculty members training future nurses, Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) clinical assistant professor of Nursing Rita Haber has been named this year’s recipient of the Diseases Attacking the Immune System, or DAISY Faculty Award.

“After graduation, many students will say, ‘I still hear my nursing faculty’s voice in mind guiding me even years after I graduate.’ Rita Haber is the voice that many of our Dr. F.M. Canseco School of Nursing graduates hear. Rita is what other nurses refer to as ‘a nurse’s nurse’ -- the nurse every student wants to be after they graduate and the nurse they all want to care for them or their family when ill,” said TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Sciences deanDr. Marivic Torregosa.

Torregosa continued, “Rita’s educational background, excellent clinical skills, and love of teaching have made her a wonderful asset to the Dr. F.M. Canseco School of Nursing. Rita is not only a wonderful nurse and teacher, but she is also a very kind and giving individual.”

Haber initially received a registered nurse’s diploma from the Ohio Valley General Hospital School of Nursing. She is a graduate of TAMIU’s inaugural RN to BSN graduating class, as well as the University’s first MSN class.

Haber began working at the Dr. F.M. Canseco School of Nursing in 2000 as a teaching assistant. After completing her Master’s degree in Nursing, she was recruited as a full-time faculty member.

The award included a DAISY pin, certificate, and a Healer Touch sculpture. The sculpture stone, crafted by a Shona healer from Zimbabwe, depicts the relationship between nurses and their patients, as well as that between DAISY faculty and their students. 

Established in 1999, the DAISY Faculty Award was created in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died from complications of an auto-immune disease. Inspired by the compassion and clinical skills of the nurses who cared for Barnes, his family decided to create the Award to recognize exceptional nurses. 

The DAISY Foundation works to provide colleges and schools of nursing a national recognition program that demonstrates appreciation to faculty and their commitment to nursing students. The Foundation works to foster a positive work environment.

Recipients of the DAISY Faculty Award possess the qualities outlined by the Foundation, including holding interest and respect for learners; demonstrating an enthusiasm for teaching, nursing, and learning; using personal attributes to encourage professional growth; having excellent interpersonal skills; remaining fair and unbiased, and developing collaborative working relationships.

For more information on the DAISY Faculty Award or TAMIU undergraduate or graduate nursing programs, please contact the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at 956.326.2450, visit offices in the Dr. F.M. Canseco Hall, room 304, or visit www.tamiu.edu/conhs. 

Wintermester and Spring 2021 Registration is now underway.  Classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021.