Waddill Wins DAISY Award
December 2022 - Colette Waddill, DNP, MSN, RN, IBCLC, CNE, CHSE, the School of Nursing’s simulation learning center coordinator and a clinical assistant professor, has won the school’s DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty. The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that celebrates colleges/schools of nursing faculty for their commitment and inspirational influence on their nursing students.
Waddill earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from John Tyler Community College, completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and her master’s degree in nurse education from the University of Phoenix. She has a postgraduate education certificate in health care simulation education from Bryan College of Health Sciences. Waddill completed the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Gardner-Webb University. Her nursing practice has been primarily in labor and delivery, postpartum, high-risk antepartum, newborn nursery and the neonatal care stepdown unit. Waddill is a member of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning.
A peer said in their nomination of Waddill, “This faculty member’s dedication to nursing students is always evident and is one of her most admirable qualities. She shows such love for the nursing profession. One way she demonstrates that love is by striving to provide students with quality learning experiences. She is always willing to go above and beyond for her students, ensuring they have the tools they need to be successful. Per her peers, she often volunteers to help, without hesitation. They have seen her work late nights, early mornings, and weekends taking calls and answering emails; doing whatever it takes to get the job done right. She treats everyone equally and with respect, is a role model for professional nursing, and is a lifelong learner.”
The peer also noted that, “Waddill is also an active member in the North Carolina Nurse's Association. She has been the leader in planning the Nurse's Night annual gala to celebrate the nurses in our community. This included through the COVID pandemic, (requiring a virtual celebration). One of her fellow committee members commented, ‘She is highly motivated and inspires the planning committee members to give 110% to make the event an evening of professional recognition, networking, and fun.’”
The nominee indicated Waddill ensures her educational practices are grounded in evidence. She has developed and executed simulations, including escape room experiences, for students. Waddill is currently leading efforts toward the first accreditation of the School of Nursing’s Simulation Learning Center.
The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 of an autoimmune disease. The Barnes family was awestruck by the clinical skills and compassion of the nurses who cared for Patrick, so they created this award to thank nurses everywhere. Anyone can nominate a full-time UNCW School of Nursing faculty member who is a registered nurse.
Waddill said of the recognition, “Receiving the DAISY Award was a great honor. It is very special to be recognized by one's peers and colleagues for one's work. There is value in the work we do to prepare our students for the nursing profession as caring and compassionate individuals with the necessary skills to make a difference in the lives they touch. I am humbled to have a part in growing our profession.”
“We are so pleased to honor the compassion of our nursing colleagues through the DAISY Award,” said School of Nursing Interim Director Matt Gallek. “We are inspired by the difference Dr. Waddill continues to make in the lives of her students - and her colleagues,” he said.
