Carrie Davidson, a student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing Lincoln Division, recently was named the Student Nurse of the Year at the Nebraska State Student Nurses’ Association conference in Norfolk, Neb. Davidson grew up outside of Lincoln, and graduated from Waverly High School.
The award is presented for leadership, professionalism and community service.
Davidson served as president of the Lincoln chapter of the Student Nurses Association from January 2007 to February 2008. She also previously served as treasurer and has been involved in organizing various activities, including sending care packages to Iraq, a Lincoln Community Blood Bank drive for students, and organizing speakers for educational programs. She was one of two students to represent the Lincoln Division at the 2007 National Student Nurses’ Association convention in California.
Nominators said Davidson was instrumental in increasing membership in the association.
“I was up against some amazing women, who have contributed to their communities in large ways,” Davidson said. “So, it was a wonderful honor and surprise.”
She said part of what motivates her is the unique opportunities that have been presented to her during her time in nursing school — to serve the community and the college. “I’ve loved my time as the local SNA treasurer and president, and I think these experiences, as well as many others, have created avenues for leadership development,” Davidson said.
After she graduates in May, her goal includes working in an intensive care unit.
Davidson has thought about being a nurse since she was young. She’s always wanted to help people, she said.
“When I was a freshman in college I planned to go to med school, but I changed my mind after working in a specialty clinic here in Lincoln with a handful of incredible nurses who I watched care for people with passion,” Davidson said. “These ladies, without knowing it, influenced my decision to pursue a nursing degree more than anything. I can’t wait to care for people like I’ve seen and been taught!”
“Carrie is a highly motivated and responsible student,” wrote a nominator. “In the classroom setting she is a diligent student, actively participates in group discussions and offers thoughtful perspectives to the group. The clinical setting is where I feel she performs the best. She is able to integrate classroom theory with practical application to deliver quality patient care.”
Another nominator praised Davidson for being a positive role model and a dedicated student with bright future in nursing.
Among the nominees for Nebraska State Student Nurse of the Year were Chrystal Lovelace, UNMC College of Nursing West Nebraska Division in Scottsbluff, and Kimberly Schlautman, UNMC College of Nursing (Omaha). Other students submitted for consideration as a nominee from the Lincoln division were Megan Eckhoff, Jonathan Brunott and Amy Smolczyk.