JAMESTOWN, N.D. (UJ) – University of Jamestown Nursing Student Association (NSA) recently named Margaret (Maggy) Russek as Student Nurse of the Year (SNOY) for 2018-19.

The criteria for being chosen as SNOY include leadership, professionalism, personal accountability, commitment to nursing, commitment to professional growth, involvement in the college of nursing, involvement in NSA, and ability to serve as a role model for future nurses.

“Maggie’s servant’s heart is evident in a variety of volunteer activities in her hometown community and several cancer research fundraisers,” said Sheri Gunderson, Assistant Professor of Nursing.

Russek is a sophomore from Annandale, MN. She is majoring in Nursing and minoring in Character in Leadership and Psychology. Russek commented that through her work as a certified nursing assistant at a hospice house, she has “gained the ability to recognize the beauty in these moments” toward the end of life and notes that “we must learn new forms of communication, compassion, and patience while caring for individuals who are near death.”

As the SNOY, Russek plans to mentor nursing students to join and be involved in NSA activities and board positions. Other nominees for SNOY chosen by nursing majors were Megan Bidwell, Annandale, Minn.; Autumn Ulmer, Fullerton, N.D.; and Madison Fronning, Fargo, N.D.