This year, the BYU College of Nursing had three faculty members recognized at the Utah Nurse Practitioners Award Ceremony: Dr. Christine Platt, Dr. Jennifer Rigby, and Dr. Petr Ruda. The College of Nursing aims to shape skilled and compassionate nurses who strive to practice the Healer’s art. The recognized faculty members' contributions align with this mission to prepare nurses to lead with faith.
Utah Nurse Practitioners (UNP) is a nonprofit organization with a vision of providing quality healthcare for everyone. Their aim to empower patients and promote health also guides their efforts. As part of Nurse Practitioners Week 2024, UNP hosted the State Excellence Awards. This event acknowledges exceptional nurse practitioners for their contributions in clinical practice, leadership, and education.
Dr. Christine Platt, PhD, DNP, FNP-C: Scholarship & Education
Dr. Christine Platt’s research focuses on supporting families raising children with disabilities and chronic illnesses, particularly within the United States foster care system. Her dedication to nursing is rooted in her passion for helping others. When asked about her success, she emphasizes the importance of staying connected to that initial drive, “Don’t forget why you joined nursing. Nursing can be tough, including being a nurse practitioner. You must remember why you became a nurse and keep that passion.”
To highlight Dr. Platt’s year, she has co-authored twelve peer-reviewed presentations and published two impactful studies. Among these is a scoping review on work-related health conditions affecting American nurses. She is also committed to mentoring students and translating evidence-based findings into practical applications. Dr. Platt attributes much of her success to the mentorship that she received at BYU College of Nursing. She shares, “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for BYU. The faculty mentorship and the focus on helping Heavenly Father’s children really made a difference in where I ended up.” Her College of Nursing connections also aided when pursuing her career. “They helped me look for what I was passionate about...and each little time along the way, as I was busy with parenting, they were always there to support me.”
Dr. Jennifer Rigby, DNP, FNP-C: Leadership
Dr. Jennifer Rigby previously served as the employee engagement leader for Riverton Hospital’s Med-Surg Unit. During her time in the role, she fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence among her colleagues. Her leadership emphasized patient-centered education and health literacy, aiming to empower patients and enhance the quality of care.
In her new role as faculty at BYU, Dr. Rigby is shaping the future of nursing education. She focuses on global and social determinants of health to broaden her students’ perspectives and prepare them. As a mentor, Dr. Rigby encourages aspiring nurse practitioners to embrace learning. “There is no limit to what we can accomplish as nurse practitioners,” she emphasizes. “We have so much to offer in the medical field, and we play an invaluable role in patient care.”
Dr. Petr Ruda, DNP, FNP-C: Clinical Practice
Dr. Petr Ruda’s recent work has focused on improving acute bronchitis management. By implementing standardized evidence-based protocols at Premier Family Medicine Clinics, Dr. Ruda has achieved significant results. Some include reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and improving antibiotic stewardship. Dr. Ruda also actively participates in state-level committees that specialize in advancing nurse practitioner practice.
In addition to recognizing outstanding work, the UNP Excellence Awards aim to support future nurse practitioners by awarding student scholarships. When asked about the value, Dr. Mike Robinson, BYU faculty member and UNP board member said, “These scholarships affirm students’ career choices and motivate them to continue striving for excellence.” This year, four BYU College of Nursing students were honored as recipients, each receiving $1,000 to support their education:
- Derek Sorensen, RN, FNP-S
- Deborah "DeeDee" Long, RN, FNP-S
- Victoria Cuello Avila, RN, FNP-S
- Chelsea Best, RN, FNP-S
Students interested in applying for upcoming UNP scholarships can find more information and the application process here.
The contributions of Dr. Platt, Dr. Rigby, and Dr. Ruda to the nursing community, and their continued efforts, push the mission and values of the UNP organization forward. Mike Robinson shared, “These three are remarkable faculty! Their commitment to the Healer’s art, quality research, evidence-based practice, and personal preparation permeates their scholarship and service, contributing significantly to advancing nursing knowledge and practice.” As BYU alumni and faculty, their achievements also reflect the dedication of the College of Nursing to producing leaders who will go forth to serve with Christ-like attributes.
