The award is established jointly by the Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care and the University of Iowa College of Nursing, coordinated through Nursing Education Collaboratory.

This year’s award recipients are:

Dave Spicknall, RN, Staff Nurse Finalist
Nurse Manager Beth McQuillen, RN in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, nominated Spicknall. "David has precepted senior student clinical internships since 1990, missing only two semesters of teaching in all that time," McQuillen said. "Many new grads come to SICU or ISS because they were influenced by their time with Dave." Several of Spicknall’s former students wrote statements of support recognizing his openness to new ideas, his ability to make learning fun, and his knowledge. Spicknall began his career at UI Hospitals and Clinics in 1984 after receiving his Associate’s Degree from Southeast Iowa Community College. He worked in general surgery, medical surgery, and oncology for three years. In 1987, he began working in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit and has been a staff member there ever since. Over the years, Spicknall continued his education, receiving a BS in Biochemistry in addition to a BSN from the University of Iowa.

Bev Folkedahl, RN, A.P.N., Medical Surgical Services I, Nurse Leader Finalist
Nationally known as an expert in wound/ostomy/continence, and as a champion for bariatric patients, Folkedahl is an important ambassador for UI Hospitals and Clinics. In her 25-year career here, she has delivered more than 500 presentations in the area of wound/ostomy and continence care. Folkedahl, a certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse, is a well-respected preceptor, and has mentored students from several nursing programs, some of whom come here to work with her specifically. She is well published and has been an effective advocate in the state health insurance arena for patients with complicated wound care needs. Nominated by nurse managers Linda Abbott, RN and Pat Pezella, RN, Folkedahl has received the highest praise from fellow nurses, students, and physicians. According to Charles Saltzman, MD, professor of orthopaedic surgery, "She is always educating and as ‘one of her students’ I can honestly say this has had a huge impact on our patients."

Jodi Poundstone, RN, Nurse Leader Semi-Finalist
Nominated by (then) Intensive Pulmonary Care Unit nurse manager Kim Chamberlain, RN, Poundstone has been with UI Hospitals and Clinics since 1997, beginning her career as a staff nurse for one year, moving into the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) as a staff nurse for four years, and has been an assistant nurse manager in the MICU since June 2003. Poundstone was recognized for her work in the community as a National Adult Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, as a volunteer at the Free Medical Clinic and for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. She has precepted students and staff who have expressed their gratitude for her "support and guidance."

Teresa Gibbs, A.P.N., M.A., Nurse Leader Semi-Finalist
Recognized by her peers and students as a role model, Gibbs has been with UI Hospitals and Clinics since 1979. She began her career as a staff nurse in urology, and then became an assistant in staff development for Nursing Informatics. As an A.P.N. in Nursing Informatics, Gibbs is an adjunct clinical instructor in the UI College of Nursing and a Fellow in the Center for Nursing Classification and Clinical Effectiveness. Ginette Budreau, associate director for Nursing Finance and Informatics, lauds Gibbs for her dependability, her effectiveness as an educator, and her enthusiasm for knowledge.