ACE faculty go above and beyond, and we are so proud! One of our nursing faculty, Dr. Kimya Nance, has been presented the 2022 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Faculty Members. This award honors nursing educators who bring commitment and inspirational influence to growing the next generation of nurses. Dr. Nance has served students in higher education for over 20 years, and we are delighted that she brings her impactful experience to ACE. We were excited to chat with Dr. Nance and learn more about her career.
ACE: Congratulations on receiving the 2022 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Faculty Members! Tell us what receiving this award means to you.
Dr. Kimya Nance (KN): Receiving this award is extremely humbling and a great honor. This award is truly special to me because the nomination comes from the student population in which I proudly serve.
ACE: Can you tell us a little about your career and what led you to ACE?
KN: Ever since my undergraduate years in nursing school, I always wanted to be a nurse educator. I served in several clinical roles that centered around direct care, patient education and staff development, and I worked as a nurse practitioner before transitioning to a full-time academician 21 years ago. What led me to ACE was its core values and excellent reputation. I work with such a phenomenal team of faculty, led by a dynamic leader. The nursing department truly exhibits student-centeredness, excellence and collegiality.
“What is most rewarding about being a nurse educator is witnessing the transformation and growth that occurs with my students as the result of their educational experience.”
ACE: Alongside your nursing career, you have served as an Onsite Evaluator for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and as a Certified Peer Reviewer for Higher Education with Quality Matters for several years, and your students describe you as enthusiastic and encouraging. What would you say is most rewarding about being a nursing educator?
KN: What is most rewarding about being a nurse educator is witnessing the transformation and growth that occurs with my students as the result of their educational experience. I love learning how my students have become more empowered in their roles as health care professionals.
ACE: What is the most impactful advice you have received throughout your career as a nurse?
KN: As an undergraduate student, I started to think about my career goals in nursing and the steps I needed to take. I was nervous about the time commitment and was not sure if I could “stay the course.” One of my instructors listened to my concerns and made this statement, “Time will pass if you do it or not.” So, from the viewpoint of a career trajectory, this advice was extremely helpful, as I could make the decision not to do anything and be in the same place several years later or take the necessary steps to move forward with my career goals.
ACE: Lastly, what advice would you give a nurse or nursing student aspiring to one day be a nursing educator?
KN: A career as a nursing educator is rewarding. There are many opportunities in both clinical and educational settings. Decide whether you want to serve as a nursing educator in clinical practice or in academia, as the roles are quite different. Develop your educational plan. Embrace life-long learning and the humanistic aspect of educating and learning from others.
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