TAMIU Names Heard as 2021 Daisy Award Recipient
A Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) College of Nursing and Health Sciences faculty member who has tirelessly sought out opportunities to expand real-world learning experiences for TAMIU nursing students has been named the 2021 Daisy Award recipient.
The Award, which recognizes exceptional nurses, was presented to Lisa Heard, TAMIU clinical assistant professor of Nursing during the recent College of Nursing and Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony. It includes 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.
TAMIU dean of the College, Dr. Marivic Torregosa, said Heard’s selection underscores her exemplary character and inspiration to students, and her ability to move the classroom beyond the convention of four walls.
“Ms. Heard has championed providing students with opportunities that offer hands-on experiences and simulations which integrate expansive awareness of the role of nurses in our community and beyond. Among these have been the collaborative development with other agencies of mass casualty training exercises on campus. These opportunities distinguish our program and our preparation of nurses, and affirm the broad spectrum of nursing, including crucial roles in emergency preparation and response as health care providers.
“Beyond these opportunities, Ms. Heard is herself an exemplary nurse and model who inspires her students daily. She is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner and recently obtained a Post Master’s certificate for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and national certification for the advanced nurse role specialty. Her pursuit of growth opportunities to augment her nursing expertise inspires students to drive themselves to continued improvement…something that will enhance their careers and healthcare service to communities in need,” Dr. Torregosa observed.
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 created the Award to recognize exceptional nurses.
The DAISY Foundation works to provide colleges and schools of nursing with a national recognition program demonstrating appreciation for faculty and their commitment to nursing students. Recipients possess 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.
The Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing’s recognized programs include a traditional BSN program, an online RN to BSN, an online Master’s in Nursing Administration, an RN to MSN in Nursing Administration, and an online Family Nurse Practitioner Program and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post Master certificate program.
TAMIU’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is also the proud home of the University’s undergraduate programs in Communication Disorders, Kinesiology, and Public Health.
For additional information on these programs, contact College of Nursing and Health Sciences’ academic success coach Felipe Rodriguez at felipe.rodriguez@tamiu.edu, visit https://www.tamiu.edu/conhs , or call 956.326. 3269.
Registration for TAMIU’s Summer and Fall semesters is now underway. TAMIU’s Fall 2022 plan remains focused on a vibrant, on-campus experience for all students, faculty, and staff.
