Paula Kustenbauder nominated for Nightingale Award

Paula Kustenbauder, instructor in nursing, was a finalist for the 2019 Nightingale Award in the Nursing Education–Academia category.

Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania is a statewide, nonprofit organization that recognizes exemplary nursing practice in 10 award categories.
Kustenbauder was nominated by former nursing student Jordan Bard who is now employed at UPMC Altoona.

Recipients of the Nursing Education–Academia award are chosen based on their demonstration of excellence in several areas, including how he or she significantly influences the quality of patient care, creates a collaborative environment for the practice of nursing, models caring and compassion, and contributes to healing and health in the community. The individual is also an inspiration to students and cultivates a supportive learning environment.

“This nomination is an honor but certainly humbling,” states Kustenbauder. “My roles as a nurse and a nurse educator bring me much contentment, and neither ever seem like a job to me. Sharing my love of nursing with students is such a blessing in my life. I would not be the nurse or nurse educator I am without all those who journey with me.”

A gala and award ceremony was held in Nov. in Harrisburg where finalists were honored and award winners announced.