Kimberly Jones, DNAP MSN CRNA

    
The NMSU School of Nursing is proud to congratulate Dr. Kimberly Jones on being selected as the May 2026 DAISY Award for Nurse Educators recipient. Dr. Jones received multiple nominations highlighting her exceptional dedication to nursing education, her commitment to student success, and the meaningful impact she has on the future of the nursing profession.

The nominations paint a consistent picture of an educator who goes above and beyond to prepare students for the realities of nursing practice. Students shared that Dr. Jones brings her extensive clinical experience into the classroom, connecting course content to real-life situations and helping learners understand how the knowledge and skills they develop will translate into patient care.

Her dedication is particularly evident in the simulation environment. A colleague noted that Dr. Jones will often arrange simulation labs outside of the regularly scheduled time to ensure students have additional opportunities to prepare for clinical practice. Her passion for simulation and anesthesia is evident in the attention to detail she brings to each lab experience. According to her colleague, students consistently leave her simulation sessions feeling motivated, inspired, and excited to enter their clinical experiences.

Dr. Jones's approach to simulation is also tailored to the individual learner. Both students and her colleague emphasized her ability to recognize differences in students' prior experience, learning styles, and pace of development. She approaches teaching with patience and understanding, creating a safe environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and developing their clinical judgment. Her caring demeanor allows students to build confidence while mastering complex skills.

Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Jones is recognized for the genuine relationships she develops with her students. Multiple nominations described her as an educator who takes the time to know students as individuals—not simply as learners in her classroom. She makes an effort to understand their experiences, challenges, and learning needs, and she follows up when students share something important in their lives. Her students described this as a meaningful demonstration of how much she cares about their well-being and success.

Dr. Jones also maintains high standards while ensuring that students are treated fairly and respectfully. Her colleague specifically recognized her ability to maintain consistent expectations and evaluation standards during simulation activities. Students similarly described an instructor who listens to their concerns, values their perspectives, and works with them to find solutions. Her combination of high expectations, fairness, patience, and compassion creates an environment where students are challenged to grow while still feeling supported.

Another recurring theme throughout the nominations was Dr. Jones's ability to build community. She creates opportunities for students and faculty to connect outside the classroom, including lunches on campus and gatherings at her home with her husband. These efforts help foster relationships, belonging, teamwork, and collaboration within the program. Her students emphasized that these experiences help create a stronger nursing community and demonstrate the importance of supporting one another within the profession.

Her commitment to collaboration extends to her relationships with students, faculty, and staff. Her colleague described Dr. Jones as someone who creates an environment built on teamwork, open communication, and shared learning. She communicates clearly, develops strong rapport with students, and contributes to a supportive atmosphere in which everyone can learn and work together.

Dr. Jones's influence also reaches beyond NMSU. Students noted that she is highly respected within the local CRNA community and that her willingness to mentor and support others has made a lasting impression on professionals in the field. Her passion for anesthesia, commitment to education, and genuine investment in the development of future practitioners make her an outstanding role model.

The multiple nominations Dr. Jones received from both students and a colleague are a powerful reflection of the difference she makes every day. Across the nominations, the same qualities consistently emerged: dedication, clinical expertise, patience, compassion, fairness, mentorship, collaboration, and a genuine passion for teaching.

The NMSU School of Nursing is honored to celebrate Dr. Kimberly Jones and this well-deserved recognition. Her commitment to preparing confident and compassionate nurses, supporting students through their educational journey, and strengthening the nursing profession embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award for Nurse Educators.

Congratulations, Dr. Jones, on being named the May 2026 DAISY Award for Nurse Educators recipient! We are proud to celebrate your dedication to our students, our profession, and the NMSU School of Nursing.