Dear Awards Committee, I am writing to highly recommend Dr. Elena Geiger-Simpson for the School of Nursing DAISY Exceptional Mentorship Award. When I think of what makes an exceptional mentor I think of the relationships and support provided to every student by Dr. Geiger-Simpson.
Dr. Geiger- Simpson is the first to say that mentoring is her favorite part of teaching because it's relationship-based and that is core to her philosophical approach to teaching and nursing. She recounts excellent mentoring that she received and is committed to paying that forward. Dr. Geiger- Simpson has mentored nine students to completion of their DNP project. She has been an active and trusted academic advisor for 12 DNP students, and a regular preceptor to students in their clinical practicum.
One of her clinical students stated that "Elena is a wonderful preceptor who motivates students to grow in the context of their unique abilities and readiness. Her compassion and warmth provided a safe space for me to take risks in advancing my clinical skills. Her thoughtful, constructive feedback helped me to become more self-aware and reflective, ultimately leading to increased empowerment and confidence as an aspiring APRN".
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Geiger-Simpson recognized that students needed additional time connecting with her and added extra zoom calls and phone calls to touch base. Some students have struggled academically and she has worked diligently with two students who needed to be given a Notice of Concern. Her meeting with the students and providing additional support helped both students get back on track toward success in their program of study. This year, as the pandemic dragged on, she has opened up a 'drop-in' coffee hour that many students have utilized and found useful.
Students in Dr. Geiger€“Simpson's classes note that she has a consistent supportive attitude and was transparent and honest in communication. Remarks from other students include: "I feel like she genuinely cares about us and our well€“being and learning. I like her and I value her knowledge and experience." "She is always available to help students. She offers constructive criticism in an effective way." "She held safe space for processing and encouraged mindfulness." Lastly, one student articulated that they "appreciated that Dr. Geiger€“Simpson came to each class/Zoom meeting prepared and confident during the time of COVID when there has been a lot of change and uncertainty. At the same time, it was helpful in class to talk about how we were doing -how we were REALLY doing, and you made an emphasis to spend a good amount of time in class to check in. There was one week that I was stcheck-in quite a bit and didn't want to be open and honest with how I was feeling, but it was comforting knowing that you asked and waited for people to respond with intention."
Dr. Geiger-Simpson is well-deserving of the SoN DAISY Exceptional Mentor award. Elena is the mentor that fits the award description: A Mentor is "concerned with how a student develops personally and professionally. In this way, they identify a student's particular talents and help to channel those talents in ways that contribute to the long-term development of a career".