University of Phoenix Faculty Member and Student Honored at March of Dimes 2015 Nurse of the Year Awards Gala

Awardees honored for outstanding work in nursing industry

PHOENIX, Sept. 23, 2015 — University of Phoenix® College of Health Professions School of Nursing faculty Debbie Barrett-Bryson and student Canea West recently received March of Dimes 2015 Nurse of the Year Awards in the categories of “Nursing Educator of the Year” and “Nursing Student of the Year.” Barrett-Bryson and West were honored at the recent March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards Gala on Aug. 29, 2015 for their work to advance the nursing profession and the outstanding care they provide Arizona families.

For more than a decade, the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards Gala has honored nurses throughout the state of Arizona. Every year, hundreds of nurses are nominated in a variety of categories by their peers as well as the community. Barrett-Bryson and West join the more than 1,000 nurses who have been recognized since the award’s inception.

“Debbie and Canea have demonstrated incredible knowledge, compassion and enthusiasm; all skills that are characteristic of great nurses,” said Tamara Rozhon, University of Phoenix College of Health Professions executive dean. “These awards recognize their hard work and commitment to nursing and education, and University of Phoenix is proud to congratulate them on their recognition by March of Dimes.”

Barrett-Bryson, an instructor for the University of Phoenix School of Nursing and faculty advisor for the Student Nurses Association, is committed to elevating her students’ skills to keep pace with evolving best practices, as well as advancing the profession through volunteer work in the community and participation in professional organizations. In the classroom, Barrett-Bryson fosters positive student-teacher relationships, encourages professional growth and helps her students prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Outside the classroom, she has served on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and the Maricopa Health Integrated Systems Refugee Commission, among others.

West, a nursing student at University of Phoenix, has not only diligently pursued her academics, but has also dedicated time and energy to helping future nurses access critical professional development resources. During her LPN to RN program, she joined the National Student Nurse Association (NSNA), a professional development organization for nurses-in-training, which inspired her to become one of the founding officers for the University of Phoenix chapter of NSNA, to foster the professional growth of her peers. Upon graduation, her goal is to become a midwife. In addition, West plans to become a clinical instructor for a nursing school while continuing her education.

“Nurses have been a part of the March of Dimes history since the very beginning. We are honored to recognize these unsung heroes for the care they provide our Arizona families,” said Michael Simoni, State Director, March of Dimes Arizona Chapter.

Barrett-Bryson and West were selected from more than 300 nominees. Two other University of Phoenix School of Nursing students, MaiEsha Abdella and Tiffany Gates, were also finalists for the “Nursing Student of the Year” award.

To learn more about University of Phoenix School of Nursing programs, visit Online Nursing Degree Programs. For general information about UOPX programs, including on-time completion rates, the median debt incurred by students who completed the program and other important information, please visit phoenix.edu.

About March of Dimes
March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org.

About the School of Nursing
The School of Nursing at the University of Phoenix® College of Health Professions offers graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs that prepare nurses for the new challenges and ever-expanding roles they play in today’s health care field. In an era of unprecedented change—from shifting patient demographics, to the emergence of new models like telemedicine and retail medicine, to an increasingly complex licensing and credentialing environment—the School of Nursing is committed to helping students navigate the changes and remain on the leading-edge of their professions. The School of Nursing helps today’s students become the nurses tomorrow needs. For more information, visit http://www.phoenix.edu/colleges_divisions/nursing.html

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of  Apollo Education Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.