Three Rivers Community College is excited to share that Teri Ashton, Professor of Nursing, has received the Nurse’s Touch Award, presented by ATI Nursing Education. This prestigious, nationally recognized honor is presented to nurse educators who excel at teaching technical knowledge and skills to their students.

Nurse’s Touch Award honorees are nominated by peers and managers each fall. A rigorous review and scoring process whittles the nominees to one representative from each of the four regions of the United States. This elite echelon of nurse educators were chosen because they possessed four qualities in particular: professional communication, wellness/self-care, knowledge of nursing informatics/technology, and leadership/management.

On receiving the award, Ashton says, “I am both honored and humbled. I know that I am in good company as a nurse educator. We all strive to help every student become successful. I feel that, as an educator, I am also a learner, continuously stretching in new ways to improve in my various roles in the classroom, clinical, and lab settings. I appreciate both the recognition and the opportunity for continued growth that this award offers.”

Three Rivers President Mary Ellen Jukoski said, “We at Three Rivers are proud to have Teri as a part of our community, and warmly congratulate her on receiving the Nurse’s Touch Award. She is a deserving recipient, and the award celebrates the knowledge, empathy, and skill that she shares with the nursing students of Three Rivers every day.”

Ashton’s colleague, Assistant Professor of Nursing Carol Emmerthal, described her as having, “a direct yet empathetic approach when dealing with students in the classroom, small groups, and individually. This direct style extends to her communication style with colleagues. As a new educator, I grew to depend on Teri for direction.”

Edie Ouellet, Director of Nursing and Allied Health at Three Rivers, congratulated Ashton stating, “Teri recognizes that the knowledge and skills to be an effective nurse educator are constantly evolving. She embraces new techniques in the classroom and laboratory settings and remains a consistent professional role model and mentor for her students. We are very lucky to have Teri on our team and proud of the award she has been given. Congratulations, Teri!”

Ashton is a Professor of Nursing, who has taught at Three Rivers for 18 years. At Three Rivers, she is an active member of the Center for Teaching Committee, NLN Ambassador, and the Curriculum Development – Concept-Based Curriculum Work Committee. In the past, she has participated on the General Education Assessment Team, the Connecticut Community College Nursing Program Committee, College Congress, and the State Nursing Education Taskforce. She previously held positions at Shoreline Medical Center, Middlesex YMCA as a Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse, and Hartford Hospital.

Ashton was scheduled to receive her award at the 2020 ATI National Nurse Educator Summit in Seattle, Washington, in April. The event has been cancelled due to the Coronavirus.