St. Catherine University Nurse Practitioner students made the following comments about Dr. Mary Lagaard, DNP, CNP:
Dr. Lagaard is an outstanding professor; she has taken the time to really empower me, elevating my confidence level. She is very personable and she is able to make that connection with patients that I strive for. I truly believe she wants each and every student to succeed and be a great NP.
She is consistently energetic about the content she is presenting. Questions are always welcomed and never judged. She is personable and friendly. She truly has a passion for the NP field and it is evident.
Dr. Lagaard is enthusiastic when she comes to class and genuinely cares about making sure we are learning the material. I also really appreciate that she is open to feedback and constructive criticism. She is so "real" and displays vulnerability with the class. I firmly believe that she deserves the Daisy Faculty Award!
Dr. Lagaard is very enthusiastic, passionate and confident when it comes to her nursing practice, especially with the geriatric population in rural Minnesota. She has often given personal examples of scenarios and interventions used that have been both helpful as well as illustrated how something was missed or perceived in the incorrect way. I have learned and grown as a nurse practitioner student as she has shared the wealth of her experiences and knowledge. It allowed me to understand the reality of the position and fostered the reflection needed to grow from the experiences I may encounter. She has also encouraged additional learning for individuals interested in palliative care or geriatrics. Mary is my role model as I begin my journey as a new nurse practitioner.