Danielle Yaffe, instructor II at the College of Nursing, recently received an award from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) for Excellence in Nursing Education (Non-Tenured).
She was presented the award at a ceremony at the CASN 2023 Council Meeting in Ottawa.
“It feels really nice to be acknowledged for the work we do,” Yaffe said. “Yes, this award was given to me, but it’s very reflective of all the mentors I’ve had and my colleagues. As a group, we are very committed to providing high quality nursing education and we often inspire each other.”
Yaffe began teaching at the college in 2015 as a clinical, skills and simulation instructor while pursuing a masters degree in nursing. She has successfully completed both the CASN’s nurse educator and simulation certification programs.
Her experience includes teaching in simulation labs, skills labs and classroom environments, both in-person and virtually.
She said the COVID-19 pandemic had a transformative effect on nursing education and allowed her to grow as a teacher.
“The pandemic was terrible and grueling, but it offered so many challenges that sparked adaptability, creativity, innovation and building connections with students. I honestly think my best work happened during the pandemic, because we had to be so intentional around building relationships with students and checking in on each other.”
Yaffe said she was thankful to be able to celebrate the award in person with special guest, Susan McClement, who was pivotal in nominating her for the award, in collaboration with colleagues Kimberly Workum and Alia Lagace. College of Nursing dean Netha Dyck and faculty members Nicole Harder, Lynda Balneaves, Donna Martin, Lori Davis, and Michelle Lobchuk were also present in Ottawa.
“They came to the award ceremony, celebrated with me and made me feel special.”
Yaffe is also a seven-time recipient of the Nursing Students’ Association Teaching Excellence Award.