TESU Nursing Student Recognized with The DAISY Award

Thomas Edison State University student Brandi Brydges was the recipient of the prestigious DAISY Award^® for Extraordinary Nursing Students during the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions’ Accelerated BSN Program Pinning Ceremony held at George A. Pruitt Hall on May 2.

Brydges, who was among nine pre-licensure nursing students from the Accelerated BSN Program’s Winter 2022-2023 cohort, was honored with the award during the school’s Pinning Ceremony that signifies students’ ceremonial entrance into the nursing field. She and fellow students are now eligible to sit for the state licensing (NCLEX-RN) exam before officially embarking on their careers as RNs.

“Brandi possesses empathy, caring and compassionate traits that extend to her patients and colleagues,” noted Christina George, MSN, RN, a TESU clinical educator who nominated Brydges for the award. “I saw this demonstrated during her clinical experiences and with every assignment she was given.”

The award provides an opportunity to celebrate nursing students who show great potential in their field, according to the school’s leadership team. The distinction also enables recipients to stand out among other job applicants and benefit from reduced rates for professional nursing certifications, continuing education opportunities and free or reduced membership fees in professional nursing organizations.

“I was astonished and honored to receive an award that is recognized across higher education and clinical settings as a symbol of exceptional patient care and nursing practice,” noted Brydges, a Warren County, N.J., resident. “The Accelerated BSN Program prepared me for a lifelong career in nursing by offering a wide variety of opportunities for clinical instruction at a number of different clinical sites across various specialties. This exposure enables students to better gauge the fields in which they hope to practice. I would not be a successful nursing program graduate without the support of my fellow cohort members who were always willing to lend a helping hand during clinical rotations and served as team players during lab simulations. I will carry these memories with me throughout my nursing journey and hope to keep these friendships for a lifetime”

According to The DAISY Foundation™, the recognition honors the often superhuman work nurses do for patients and families every day wherever they practice, in whatever role they serve and throughout their careers. Nursing students may be nominated by colleagues, peers, patients, families, or alumni. Each honoree receives a certificate, a DAISY Award pin and a sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe, Africa.

“Brandi balanced the often rigorous requirements of our Accelerated BSN Program while exhibiting solidarity with fellow students and providing skilled, compassionate care during her clinical learning experiences,” said Dr. Ruth Wittmann-Price, dean of the school. “The recognition she received underscores the caliber of our nursing students and the value the accelerated program format offers someone with her focus and professional objectives. We thank The DAISY Foundation for this noteworthy recognition and applaud Brandi as she embarks on a productive, influential and successful career.”