Practicing nurses, nurse educators, healthcare facility administrators, and nursing students participating in clinical preceptorships.

Teaching students reinforces your own knowledge and encourages you to stay current with the latest evidence-based practices.

By helping to train the next generation of nurses, you contribute directly to addressing the nursing shortage and improving healthcare in South Dakota.

Nominated by a grateful student nurse, Stephanie Reinhardt is recognized as an exemplary preceptor.

Nominated by a grateful student nurse, Annie Christiansen is recognized as an exemplary preceptor who leads with integrity, kindness, and clinical excellence. She communicates clearly and respectfully, sets high yet supportive expectations, and patiently walks students through each procedure step by step. Annie models critical thinking by seeing the big picture, noticing subtle changes in patient conditions, and teaching students how to connect every detail of care. While pursuing continued education herself, she demonstrates daily compassion, integrity, and professionalism, setting a gold standard for mentorship and nursing leadership.

Nominated by a grateful student nurse, Audrey Jensen is recognized as an exemplary preceptor. I am honored to nominate Mary for this award, as she meets every criterion and more. Mary communicates clearly and respectfully with her patients, providers, colleagues, and students. She consistently fosters a professional and supportive environment where everyone feels valued. Mary was always encouraging and eager to help me learn each time I stepped onto the unit. She intentionally created opportunities for me to build my skill set, think critically, and ask questions. No matter how busy the shift, she took the time to clarify concepts and explain her clinical reasoning in a way that strengthened my understanding and confidence. With years of ICU experience, Mary demonstrates exceptional critical thinking skills. She anticipates patient needs, communicates with providers, and advocates for her patients with confidence. Her ability to stay ahead of complex clinical situations while remaining calm is truly impressive. Mary’s eagerness to teach was contagious. Spending hours alongside her never felt overwhelming because her positive energy and excitement to teach was always present. She is a trusted resource within the ICU, colleagues frequently seek her guidance, yet she continues to ask questions herself to further expand her knowledge. She models lifelong learning in the best way. In every patient interaction, Mary provides compassionate, empathetic, and respectful care. I witnessed the comfort and trust she built with patients and families during vulnerable moments. She also extends that same compassion to her colleagues, offering both physical and emotional support when they need it most. Mary treated me with respect from day one and served as a role model I will always be grateful for. Through her professionalism, accountability, attitude, and appearance, she represents the nurse I aspire to become. Beyond clinical skills, she taught me invaluable life lessons, how to handle conflict with grace, remain open-minded, and lead with integrity. Mary has profoundly shaped my transition out of nursing school, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition!