Darlene Shipp
Nominated by: Nancy Kramer
1. Describe how your nominee has shown concern for humanity.
Darlene demonstrates compassion in all that she does as an educator,nurse and person. She treats students and patients as individuals with unique abilites, needs, beliefs and values. Her compassion also reaches out to other populations through volunteering at the local free clinic and visiting prisoners. Darlene has continued to remain supportive, positive and understanding with these populations despite dealing with her own serious afflictions. Her compassion and understanding are ever present in her smile.
2. What do you consider your nominee’s most significant contribution to the nursing profession:
Darlene is actively involved in numerous professional organizations at the local and national level including ANA/INA, NLN/ILN, AWHONN, Sigma Theta Tau, and the Allen Alumni Board. She is on the Cedar Valley Committee on Breast Cancer Awareness and is a volunteer and board member for the American Cancer Society. She is also actively involved in her and volunteers at the Jubilee Free Clinic. &LF;&LF;Darlene's most significant contribution is her role modeling, mentoring and approach to teaching. She is responsible for many faculty and students progression in the profession because of her enthusiasm, support and positive attitude toward the profession.
3. Give an example of how your nominee has shown leadership through mentoring, or served as a role model for others.
Students describe Darlene knowledgeable, approachable and considerate of student needs. She is a good role model to students and shows compassion toward them. Darlene enjoys what she teaches. She teaches through sharing experiences and applying theory to the clinical setting. Darlene is an excellent resource to graduating seniors by assisting them in preparation for NCLEX and a new work position. Darlene is also a role model to practicing nuuses and nursing educators as she was with me when I began and with other new facuty and students who have entered the teaching profession. She teaches by example and manner.
4. Was there a specific event that prompted you to nominate this outstanding nurse? If so, please tell your story.
There is not one major event but just a life full of devotion to the profession and compassion for those she serves. I would consider Darlene as a great nurse for the individual support and understanding she has provided needy students, patients, and colleagues on multiple occasions. She always takes time to listen to the individual's concern. For me personally she served as an informal mentor when I entered nursing education, unsure of my goals and with no experience in teaching. If it was not for the kind support and guidance I would not be where I am today 25 years later. With out formal experience in teaching a new educator teaches by what they have observed in their experience. Through her I have gained an appreciation of using real life experiences, humor, and most of all compassion for the individual.&LF;&LF;I can speak from experience that Darlene takes time to listen to all as she did with me through a personal crisis and as I observed with students when I shared an office with her for several years. I can not say enough or even begin to share the examples of personal devotion, which I am aware of because of my close working relation with her.