CLEARFIELD – Alene Homan M.Ed., BSN, a nurse educator at Clearfield County Career & Technology Center (CCCTC) Practical Nursing Program has been awarded the Educator with the Nurses Touch Award for 2015, granted by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI).
Homan was nominated by her fellow nurse educator Patricia McKnight, MSN, and multiple students for promotion of student success through her role modeling of professionalism, communication skills and empathy.
“The Educator with the Nurse’s Touch” Award recognizes outstanding educators honored for advancing professional and interpersonal skills in nursing education programs.
During the award ceremony Oct. 6, John Goodman, ATI client executive, stated, “We received hundreds of nominations, and you were one of four nurse educators in the country who rose to the top because of your integration of these important skills into nursing practice and the education of students”
“Alene is a truly fantastic Nurse Educator and we are so proud to have her as a part of our nursing education team” said Cheryl Krieg, Practical Nursing Program director at CCCTC.
“Alene goes out of her way to facilitate the ability of our students to become critical thinkers while delivering professional, compassionate, quality care.”
Nominations from her students explained how Homan was instrumental to their success as nursing students.
Some comments from students were that: “Mrs. Homan taught me to be a compassionate and honest nurse”; “She taught me that I have the ability to become a wonderful nurse”; “Mrs. Homan taught me to never be afraid to advocate for my patients”; “She has taught me to accept different cultures and backgrounds”; and “She has been my greatest role model in the program.”
Homan is a life-long learner, beginning her career in healthcare in 1985 when she received her diploma in nursing. In 1997, she obtained her Bachelor’s in nursing and in 2003 earned a Master’s in education. She also obtained her School Nurse Certification in 2005. Throughout her career, she has worked as a pediatric nurse, school nurse and nurse educator both in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Homan was presented with the award in front of very proud students, faculty, friends and family. Homan conveyed to the attendee’s that “It is such an honor to be a part of preparing students for the ever evolving and immensely gratifying career of nursing.
“I accept this award on the behalf of the Practical Nursing Program, and the amazing faculty I work with. To me, this award is not a me thing, it is a we thing.”
In addition, Homan receives an expense-paid trip to the 2016 ATI National Nurse Educator Summit in Nashville Tenn., and one class of students will receive ATI Nurses Touch product free of charge.
Pictured, from left to right, are Valerie Beers, Tonya Saggese and Patricia McKnight, Practical Nursing instructors; Janet King, ATI nurse educator; Award Recipient, Alene Homan; John Goodman, ATI client executive; Elizabeth Frankhouser, CCCTC executive director; Cheryl Krieg, CCCTC Nursing Program director; and Craig Foley, ATI North East Region vice president.