American Academy of Nursing Inductee: Dr. Katreena Merrill PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC
On October 7, 2023, in Washington, D.C., Dr. Katreena Merrill (AS ’83, BS ’85) achieved the highest honor in nursing when she was inducted into the prestigious American Academy of Nursing. Dr. Merrill is a 2023 fellow and is the sole inductee from Utah. Her groundbreaking research in combating antibiotic resistance and her innovative device to measure nurses’ knowledge and attitudes about antibiotic stewardship have garnered international acclaim. Dr. Merrill’s remarkable achievements and ongoing contributions to nursing exemplify her commitment to excellence.
Compassionate Nursing Excellence: The DAISY Awards
Founded in 1999 by the Barnes family, The DAISY Foundation recognizes nurses worldwide and honors exceptional compassion within the nursing community. The prestigious DAISY Award celebrates Christlike compassion and dedication. Awardees receive an exquisite sculpture A Healer’s Touch, handcrafted by skilled artisans of the Shona people in Zimbabwe.
Between October 2022 and 2023, three BYU faculty members received the DAISY Award: Dr. Janelle Macintosh, Dr. Michael S. Robinson (MS ‘13), and Kristen M. Erekson. Dr. Macintosh emphasizes empathy in end-of-life care, Dr. Robinson fosters trust through advocacy, and Dr. Erekson mentors with love and faith.
BYU Nursing students Chase Owens, Gabby Sutton-Clark, Rachel Carr Olsen, and Madalynn Taylor were also lauded for their compassionate care: Chase for building trust, Gabby for advocating for neurodivergent patients, Rachel for embodying Christlike compassion, and Madalynn for volunteering selflessly.
Furthermore, The DAISY Foundation acknowledges the impactful work of leaders such as Dr. Beth Luthy (BS ’03, MS ’05), whose tireless advocacy for stronger immunization laws in Utah has significantly improved healthcare outcomes for the pediatric population. Her dedication—spanning countless hours of testimony, lobbying, and collaboration—is evidence of the profound impact nurses can have on public health policy.
The Circle of Influence Award pays tribute to remarkable individuals such as Gina Jackson and Nancy Salanoa. Ms. Jackson consistently orchestrates complex schedules, helping faculty members improve their productivity and service. Ms. Salanoa demonstrates remarkable dedication, fostering cooperation and support within the College community.
Champions of Excellence: BYU Nursing’s SAERA Winners
Four individuals from the BYU College of Nursing have been honored with the BYU Staff and Administrative Employee Recognition Awards (SAERA), a testament to their exceptional contributions as staff and administrative members.
Lisa Campbell and Gina Jackson stand out for their unwavering commitment to Accountability and Results. Rachel Platt’s creative and forward-thinking methods have earned her the SAERA for Innovation, showcasing her ability to pioneer new approaches and solutions. Meanwhile, Delsa Richards is celebrated for her Responsible Use of Sacred Resources, embodying a deep sense of stewardship and mindfulness in the utilization of resources.
Through their actions and achievements, each awardee exemplifies a core value: of competency, respect and belonging, integrity, teamwork, exceeding customer expectations, responsible resource use, innovation, accountability, and results. These awardees are shining examples of excellence within the BYU community.
Faith and Resilience Take Center Stage: BYU Nursing Conference
BYU’s College of Nursing held its annual Research and Evidence-Based Practice and Professionalism Conference on October 23, 2023, offering over 30 unique presentations. The event provided students with a platform to showcase research, learn from seasoned nurses, and engage with industry experts. A total of 329 students attended the event.
Dr. Natalie May from the University of Virginia delivered a compelling keynote speech titled “Cultures of Mattering in Nursing, Why They Matter and How We Build Them.” She shared outstanding insights on how prioritizing the concept of mattering encourages positive feelings of belonging and self-worth among nurses and nursing students.
Breakout sessions featured diverse topics, including a presentation by BYU Nursing students on their experiences overcoming challenges and teaching health practices in Paraguay. The session “Transition to Practice” provided valuable advice from BYU nursing alumni on navigating the transition from student to nurse.
The conference concluded with a memorable endnote speech by Shalyn Larsen (MS ’22), who emphasized the importance of learning from Christ’s example as she covered crucial topics in the nursing field such as burnout and judging patients. She incorporated her own experiences dealing with tough patients and encouraged attendees to come unto Christ, stating, “If we want to learn the Healer’s art, we have to learn who the Master Healer is.”