UW-Eau Claire senior nursing student, Michael Jaeb, received the Wisconsin Nurses Association (WNA) Future Nursing Leader Award during Saturday’s Convocation. Convocation is the ceremony at which the graduates receive their nursing pin as they walked across the stage. The award, presented by WNA’s Executive Director, Gina Dennik-Champion, recognizes leadership during a student’s educational career.
Michael was nominated by Der-Fa Lu, PhD RN, Associate Professor for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at UW-Eau Claire. Dr. Lu praised Michael for his “extraordinary commitment to the college of nursing, the nursing profession as a whole, and the general community.”
Michael has been an active participant in numerous nursing organization, such as the Wisconsin Nurses Association (WNA), American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS), and Sigma Nursing Honor Society. One of his Michael’s professional goals is to serve within organizations such as these and advocate for policies that benefit both the nurses and the patients they care for. He has begun that journey by participating in WNA Nurses Day at the Capitol and AACN’s Student Policy Summit in Washington, D.C.
Michael has also made a positive impact through his mentorship of other students and as a research assistant. He has encouraged multiple cohorts as they advance their understanding of foundational theories, standardized nursing languages, clinical reasoning, and care planning. In collaboration with faculty, his research focus has been clinical reasoning models, simulation strategies, peer mentorship, and healing touch. He has disseminated research at multiple conferences including two Midwest Nursing Research Society annual conferences, Sigma Kaleidoscope of Nursing Scholarship Day, and UW-Eau Claire’s Celebration of Excellence in Research & Creative Activity week.
Michael plans to work in public health and seek a PhD in nursing so he can continue his research, advocate for nursing in the policy arena, and improve population health.
