UTSWNurses

Last week, Nursing Excellence had the opportunity to recognize our amazing Nursing Professional Development (NPD) practitioners and Clinical Education and Professional Development (CEPD) team members. NPD Week was observed September 13-19 and allows us to show these team members that all of their hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you, CEPD. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

On Wednesday, September 16, UT Southwestern Inpatient Rehabilitation received the 2026 Association of Rehabilitation Nurses DAISY Team Award! The DAISY Team Award is designed to recognize nurse led teams who identify and meet patient and/or patient family needs by going above and beyond the traditional role of Nursing.

The UT Southwestern Inpatient Rehabilitation Nursing Team led a nurse-driven initiative to transform patient rounding into a structured, relationship-centered practice aimed at improving communication, responsiveness, and the overall patient experience. The initiative improved patient experience metrics as well as developed stronger patient trust and improved coordination across disciplines.

Congratulations, Inpatient Rehab on this well-earned recognition!

On 3 Blue, Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Louise Sedberry is someone patients and colleagues can count on. She helps keep information moving, supports those around her, and stays calm when challenges arise. Her work has earned her recognition as UT Southwestern’s 2026 Health Unit Coordinator of the Year!

She was recognized Monday at the annual HUC Recognition Week luncheon and was selected from among UTSW’s more than 130 health unit coordinators. Congratulations Louise!

UT Southwestern’s Emergency Department has earned the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award, a national recognition for excellence in emergency nursing.

‌The award celebrates emergency departments that are raising the bar for nursing practice and outcomes. It recognizes excellence in leadership, education, research, quality and safety. Receiving the Lantern Award places UT Southwestern among a select group of emergency departments nationwide that are setting an example for exceptional patient care.

This past week, Nursing Excellence held their quarterly meeting. The theme of the meeting was “Show Where You’re From!”, where attendees were encouraged to share their culture by bringing their favorite dish.

‌The meeting also featured leadership updates from Susan Hernandez, D.N.P., M.B.A., RN, Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive; Shinto Thomas, D.N.P., RN, PCCN, Director of Clinical Education & Professional Development; and Ramona Baucham, Ph.D., M.S.N., M.S.-ORD, RN, Director of the Magnet Program & Nursing Research.

The Clinical Education and Professional Development (CEPD) department, in partnership with the Texas Woman's University Global Nursing Program, welcomed 13 nursing students from five South Korean universities on July 6-7. During their visit, the students explored the U.S. healthcare system, learned about nursing informatics, and discovered the many career paths available to nurses in the United States. They also had the opportunity to meet Moxi, who quickly became a favorite among the group! The visit included a tour of CUH, presentations from nursing executive leaders, and observational experiences alongside unit-based educators and bedside nurses, providing a firsthand look at nursing practice and professional development at UTSW.

This week, Nursing Excellence had the pleasure of recognizing our latest cohort graduates. Congratulations to the cohort 17 nurse residents, cohort 18 nurse fellows, cohort 15 PCT residents, and our second cohort of MHT residents. We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished thus far!

On April 6, UT Southwestern had the honor of presenting the DAISY Award to Sheeba Issac, RN, OCN. Sheeba is an ambulatory nurse at the cancer center in clinical trials infusion. Part of her nomination came from a patient who stated:

“Sheeba came to me as God sent- as I was scared to place a port. I did not want to add to my risk of DVT. Sheeba exceptionally coordinated the care and ensured I was scheduled in the am, so that she could prep my hands- she used ALL the tricks she learned as a nurse- and successfully placed the IV for the rest of my treatments. I wanted to speak to the cancer center so Sheeba could be recognized for her skill, empathy, and delivering nothing but excellence.”

Congratulations Sheeba and thank you for your commitment to providing patient-centered care!

This past week, UT Southwestern recognized Patient Care Technician Week (June 11–17). The work we do as nurses could not be made possible without the support of these team members. Please join us in congratulating the following award recipients and thanking all PCTs for the care and support they provide every day!

PCT of the Year Winner
Matyabaniso (Bob) Nyirenda

PCT of the Year Finalist
Liza Uy

Rose Award Recipient (in partnership with Parkland Health)
Jiroy Walker

Nurses week and every week, we celebrate the incredible nurses who care for our patients with skill, empathy, and heart. You all make a difference in ways that can’t be measured but are always felt. Thank you for everything you do!