Alumni Achievement Recipient

is Passionate About Creating a

Positive Environment for Nurses

Contact: Pam Roe
S218 School of Nursing
(573) 884-2690

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May 17 , 2005

COLUMBIA , Mo. – Cheryle Kelly , MS (N) '00, was recognized as the MU Sinclair School of Nursing Alumni Achievement Recipient at the school's annual banquet held April 22, 2005. She received this award due to her tireless efforts to educate and support nurses by creating a positive environment in which to work .

Her passion for nursing education and administration has driven Kelly throughout her academic and professional career.

As a graduate student, Kelly was a teaching assistant for the Nursing of Adults II course at Mizzou's Sinclair School of Nursing. Her enthusiasm and desire to see practicum students succeed was evident in the way she inspired them to stretch their limits. During this time, Kelly realized she had a knack for helping students transition from student nurse to professional nurse.

“Cheryle's passion for nursing was evident at our first meeting,” said Roxanne McDaniel, associate dean for undergraduate and master's programs. “She was a highly motivated, self-directed student with a dual focus in education and administration in her master's program.”

These two passions were combined in her role as medical unit director at St. Mary's Health Center in Jefferson City , Mo. As the staff's mentor and motivator, Kelly created a positive environment that improved both nurse and physician satisfaction. This resulted in higher productivity and increased patient satisfaction.

At the same time, she developed a graduate nurse internship program. This program helped new graduates make the transition to a professional role by assigning them to a mentor. They were also given the opportunity to explore a variety of patient care areas as well as taking advantage of presentations and coaching during this adjustment period, preparing them for the NCLEX examination.

Kelly is now the administrator for St. Mary's rehabilitation and long-term care facility. Even though she manages 140 employees, she still finds time to help young professionals grow through her presentations and publications. For instance, her presentation on “Mentoring: The Key to Survival of Nursing” describes mentoring the professional nurse following graduation, and “Build It and They Will Come” discusses creating a positive environment where nurses choose to grow as professionals.

“She is a perfectionist who has always given her time and effort to produce excellent outcomes for patients,” said Cheryl Bausler, instructor of clinical nursing.

Students, faculty, staff and alumni of the school were honored at the 15 th Annual MU Sinclair School of Nursing Banquet held at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia , Mo. The event was held to recognize those individuals who have elevated the reputation, research, teaching and service at the MU Sinclair School of Nursing.

“The school's annual banquet gives us a chance to honor those who have gone the extra mile and in the process elevated the bar of excellence in the field of nursing,” said Rose Porter, dean of the School of Nursing . “Cheryle is an example of someone who has gone above and beyond in promoting a positive workplace for nurses. Her passion for helping new nursing graduates as well as seasoned nurses has touched many lives in a positive way. ”

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