Penn College nursing student and faculty member earn DAISY Awards

Williamsport, Pa. — During a recent ceremony for graduating nursing students, Penn College presented DAISY Awards for Extraordinary Nursing to student Makenna J. Buck and faculty member Tushanna M. Habalar.

Buck, of Blossburg, was among 11 nominees for The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students.

Her nominator wrote: “I encountered Makenna Buck when my 91-year-old mother was a patient at UPMC Williamsport. Mom has dementia and was a bit unsettled by all of the scans and necessary checks being done to her. When it came time for a blood draw, she was apprehensive. Makenna and another new nurse arrived to do the blood draw. Makenna introduced herself as a student and spoke in a calm manner to Mom, smiling the entire time. She seemed to know just how to approach Mom while the nurse drew blood. In my opinion, Makenna Buck is going to be an excellent addition to any nursing facility.”

Habalar, assistant professor of nursing, was among 15 nominees for The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty.

Nominators’ comments included:

“She goes above and beyond to give us resources and set us up for success.”

“Mrs. Habalar has had the biggest impact on my success at PCT. She always enters the classroom with a bright smile that brings comfort to any student she encounters. She is willing to share so much of her knowledge with every student in ways that are meaningful and memorable. I could not think of someone more deserving of this award.”

“I think she is truly amazing. She goes above and beyond to help the class succeed in Fundaments of Nursing. Also, she is very approachable and answers our questions in a professional manner.”

“I had her three semesters ago, and she is willing to do anything to help her past, current and future students. She always is going out of her way to help in any way she can! In addition, her office door is always open if you need to chat!”

Habalar, who began her work with Penn College as an adjunct clinical instructor in 2010 and served as a learning laboratory coordinator before joining the full-time faculty in 2015, is a recipient of the college’s Part-Time Teaching Excellence Award.

Penn College presents one faculty award and two student awards each year during pre-commencement “pinning” ceremonies for graduating nursing students. The remaining 2024 student award will be presented at the fall ceremony.

Each honoree receives a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch.”