Dr. Miller, nursing students receive March of Dimes awards

A UNMC faculty member and three students were honored recently by the March of Dimes during its 13th Annual Nurse of the Year Awards at the downtown Hilton Omaha Hotel during a dinner gala.

The statewide event presented by Methodist Women’s Hospital, recognizes exceptional nurses, creates awareness of professional excellence, and promotes the future of the nursing profession, while helping advance the mission of the March of Dimes — to improve the health of babies by preventing premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.

Connie Miller, Ph.D., assistant dean of the UNMC College of Nursing Omaha Division and associate professor, received the Top 25 Nurse Award. Student Nurse Awards went to Leah Grovijohn of the Norfolk Division, Dhanya Mathew of the Omaha Division and Allison Hansen of the Lincoln Division.

The Nurse of the Year Selection Committee reviewed 200 nominations from more than 20 health care facilities throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa in 23 defined categories ranging from advanced practice to women’s health and centering.

“I have always been proud to be a member of the nursing profession and to contribute to the work that nurses do,” Dr. Miller said. “I’ve had the privilege of being mentored by strong clinicians, innovative educators and skilled administrators. I continuously learn about the strength and resilience of the human spirit, the gift of compassion and the art of caring from students and patients. I am sincerely humbled to be a recipient of this award.”