May 2026
Suellen
Lichtenfels
,
DNP, MSN, RNC, LCCE
Pennsylvania Western University
Somerset
,
PA
United States
She doesn’t just teach us what to do; she makes sure we understand why we are doing it and constantly pushes us to think critically, which has built my confidence more than I expected.
Dr. Lichtenfels has been an amazing first-year instructor to our class. She shows us what it means to be a caring, compassionate nurse.
***
Dr. Lichtenfels exemplifies knowledge, professionalism, and enthusiasm for learning. She is always prepared for clinical and encourages us to learn as much as we can while at clinical. Her fairness and support allow me to want to continue with my studies. I have the utmost respect for her and for her confidence in allowing us to achieve the best clinical outcomes.
***
She cares so much about us as future nurses and our future patients.
***
Dr. Lichtenfels, I feel, is a true example of what every teacher at any grade level or academic institution strives to become when they achieve their goal of becoming a teacher. She is by far the best instructor I have ever had. She shows that she cares about each individual student as if they were a family member, with great enthusiasm for teaching and instruction, even when we may be feeling down about our own abilities. She’s always there to reassure us that we can do this. I feel that with every one of her students, she strives to make sure we get the best clinical experience, taking time in her teaching, even for the smallest part of the lesson. She truly deserves recognition for the work she does teaching the next generation of Registered Nurses, striving to achieve their ultimate goal of joining the workforce to help and heal the world we know and live in.
***
I am a first-year nursing student at the Somerset campus, and I would like to nominate Dr. Suellen Lichtenfels for a DAISY Award. Dr. Lichtenfels has truly changed the way I see nursing and has set a powerful example of the kind of nurse I want to become. From the very beginning, she created an environment where I felt supported, safe to ask questions, and encouraged to grow. As a first-year student, that meant everything to me. She doesn’t just teach us what to do; she makes sure we understand why we are doing it and constantly pushes us to think critically, which has built my confidence more than I expected.
***
Dr. Lichtenfels exemplifies this role as an exceptional nurse and instructor. She ensures that all students fully understand both what we are doing and the rationale behind our care for clients. She consistently fosters a supportive learning environment, offering encouragement and never diminishing our confidence. Her guidance has significantly shaped my perspective on nursing, and I feel both proud and fortunate to have her as an instructor.
***
Suellen makes sure to help all her students succeed. She is an outstanding role model whom I and others look up to. Suellen wants all of her students to succeed and be the best nurses that they can be.
***
Professor Lichtenfels sacrifices so much to ensure we are doing well, not just scholastically but also emotionally and mentally. I am not a traditional student. I’m 53, a mom of 6, and work full-time at UPMC Somerset as a PCT. I happened to have a difficult shift one day where I ended up having to perform CPR on a friend. She was a fragile woman. CPR is not delicate; it was traumatic, and although we tried everything we could, she didn’t make it. I was a mess. The next morning, although she had a class about to start, Suellen took the time to help me navigate such a challenging experience. If it weren’t for her and the time she spent with me, I don’t know that I would have been able to mentally get back on track and remember my goals.
***
Dr. Lichtenfels goes above and beyond to ensure we understand the roles we will be taking as future nurses and the importance of the information she is teaching us.
***
Dr. Lichtenfels is the best professor that I have ever had. She sincerely cares about my education and wants me to be the best nurse that I can be someday. She also cares about who I am as a person and wants to see me succeed. She goes above and beyond her responsibilities as my nursing instructor. She has taught me so much and has given me so much over the past year.
***
Dr. Lichtenfels exemplifies knowledge, professionalism, and enthusiasm for learning. She is always prepared for clinical and encourages us to learn as much as we can while at clinical. Her fairness and support allow me to want to continue with my studies. I have the utmost respect for her and for her confidence in allowing us to achieve the best clinical outcomes.
***
She cares so much about us as future nurses and our future patients.
***
Dr. Lichtenfels, I feel, is a true example of what every teacher at any grade level or academic institution strives to become when they achieve their goal of becoming a teacher. She is by far the best instructor I have ever had. She shows that she cares about each individual student as if they were a family member, with great enthusiasm for teaching and instruction, even when we may be feeling down about our own abilities. She’s always there to reassure us that we can do this. I feel that with every one of her students, she strives to make sure we get the best clinical experience, taking time in her teaching, even for the smallest part of the lesson. She truly deserves recognition for the work she does teaching the next generation of Registered Nurses, striving to achieve their ultimate goal of joining the workforce to help and heal the world we know and live in.
***
I am a first-year nursing student at the Somerset campus, and I would like to nominate Dr. Suellen Lichtenfels for a DAISY Award. Dr. Lichtenfels has truly changed the way I see nursing and has set a powerful example of the kind of nurse I want to become. From the very beginning, she created an environment where I felt supported, safe to ask questions, and encouraged to grow. As a first-year student, that meant everything to me. She doesn’t just teach us what to do; she makes sure we understand why we are doing it and constantly pushes us to think critically, which has built my confidence more than I expected.
***
Dr. Lichtenfels exemplifies this role as an exceptional nurse and instructor. She ensures that all students fully understand both what we are doing and the rationale behind our care for clients. She consistently fosters a supportive learning environment, offering encouragement and never diminishing our confidence. Her guidance has significantly shaped my perspective on nursing, and I feel both proud and fortunate to have her as an instructor.
***
Suellen makes sure to help all her students succeed. She is an outstanding role model whom I and others look up to. Suellen wants all of her students to succeed and be the best nurses that they can be.
***
Professor Lichtenfels sacrifices so much to ensure we are doing well, not just scholastically but also emotionally and mentally. I am not a traditional student. I’m 53, a mom of 6, and work full-time at UPMC Somerset as a PCT. I happened to have a difficult shift one day where I ended up having to perform CPR on a friend. She was a fragile woman. CPR is not delicate; it was traumatic, and although we tried everything we could, she didn’t make it. I was a mess. The next morning, although she had a class about to start, Suellen took the time to help me navigate such a challenging experience. If it weren’t for her and the time she spent with me, I don’t know that I would have been able to mentally get back on track and remember my goals.
***
Dr. Lichtenfels goes above and beyond to ensure we understand the roles we will be taking as future nurses and the importance of the information she is teaching us.
***
Dr. Lichtenfels is the best professor that I have ever had. She sincerely cares about my education and wants me to be the best nurse that I can be someday. She also cares about who I am as a person and wants to see me succeed. She goes above and beyond her responsibilities as my nursing instructor. She has taught me so much and has given me so much over the past year.