Nursing Instructor at William Penn University Receives ‘100 Great Iowa Nurses’ Recognition
Sharon DeKock
(OSKALOOSA, Iowa) – A list of 100 men and women across the state of Iowa were nominated by fellow peers, colleagues, or friends for the ‘100 Great Iowa Nurses of 2018’. William Penn University’s own Sharon DeKock was nominated by student Marvin Van Der Wiel (’17), who was also nominated for the same award in 2017.
“I was privileged to have Sharon as a nursing instructor and clinical instructor during my ADN nursing program 13 years ago and still remember her passion for OB nursing,” said Marvin. “She strongly believes that having a positive experience is a journey that the nurse and patient take together.”
After receiving the nomination, Sharon felt it was a humbling experience. “Being nominated by a former student, who I taught in both the ADN level and at the BSN level, is one of the best compliments, ever,” said Sharon. “It is so rewarding.”
The 100 Great Iowa Nurses are selected based off of criteria including having a concern for humanity, the nominees have an extensive contribution to the nursing profession and provide exceptional leadership or mentoring for other nurses. While teaching at William Penn, Sharon takes time to take her students to the State Capital and Iowa Board of Nursing to introduce students to their state representatives, lobbyists, and members of the Board.
Outside of teaching at William Penn University, Sharon also spends her time sitting on various committees in different community organizations, including the American Nurses Association. Sharon also works as a PRN within the Birthing Center at Mahaska Health Partnership in Oskaloosa.
A passion of Sharon’s in nursing and healthcare has been the establishment of a voluntary Doula program at Mercy Medical Center. This program was designed to offer free labor support persons, or doulas, to women in labor and to teach nursing staff alternative care therapies. Sharon felt that the program was truly a collaborative effort saying, “The Volunteer Doula Program started at Mercy Medical Center, and I was offered the opportunity to assist with its ‘start-up’ and coordination once it was off and running.”
Overall, in the state of Iowa over 1,300 nurses have been recognized in 94 counties. Nearly half of the nominations are derived from colleagues or peers, followed by supervisors or administrators. Most of the nominees are supervisors/managers or specialists, including school nurses.
“Sharon has a contagious enthusiasm and passion for education that is unmatched by any other instructor I know,” said Marvin.
WPU Director of Nursing, Brenda Krogh Duree says, “Sharon is an enthusiastic and dedicated nurse educator. We are very proud to have her as part of the WPU family!”
You can learn more about 100 Great Iowa Nurses or view the full list of nominees at www.greatnurses.org.
