Mercy College of Health Sciences Assistant Professor Nikki LaFratte was awarded the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty at the Nursing Pinning ceremony on April 29, 2022. LaFratte’s recognition at the April ceremony marks the second time she has earned this award.
“Professor LaFratte is smart, friendly, approachable, and models everything I hope to be someday as a nurse,” wrote one student in LaFratte’s nomination. “Nikki created a wonderful learning atmosphere where we could ask questions without being demeaned or berated. Nikki made nursing seem possible and even fun.”
LaFratte began teaching at Mercy College in 2018. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Allen College and is a certified Critical Care nurse.
“I am truly honored that I have received any DAISY award,” LaFratte stated. “The things my students wrote about me were heartwarming and brought tears to my eyes. I am completely blown away that they felt I had made that big of an impact on their education and honored that that impact was notable enough for them to even nominate me.”
The DAISY – Diseases Attacking the Immune System – Foundation was established in memory of Patrick Barnes, who passed away in late 1999 following a long hospital stay. The DAISY Award recognizes extraordinary nurses for their compassionate care toward their patients. In 2010, the Foundation also established the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty to honor the contributions faculty make to the future of the nursing profession. To learn more about the DAISY Foundation or to nominate a nurse, please visit the DAISY website.
Ready to Chart Your Course as a nurse? Visit mchs.edu/nursing for more information.
