Monica Samples, BSN, RN - Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Currently a nurse in the Stead Family Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Monica Samples (20BSN) is the recipient of the 2023-24 Outstanding Young Alumni Award. No stranger to nursing awards, as a student, she was recognized by her peers with the 2020 DAISY in Training Award.
Since graduating, Samples has provided the highest level of care as a nurse in the PICU. She pursued further training and is now qualified to care for children receiving the most advanced level of medical interventions.
“The early success of Monica’s career is not a surprise to anybody who knows her,” her nominator writes. “She is gifted in her capabilities to manage complex medical interventions while meeting the multifaceted needs of her patients and their family members with an extraordinary depth of compassion, integrity and respect.”
Karen Bjøro, PhD, RN - Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Karen Bjøro (08PhD) is the 2023-2024 College of Nursing Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.
Throughout her 40-year nursing career, Bjøro has worked locally, nationally, and internationally to strengthen the profession and improve global health.
Dr. Bjøro’s passion for nursing is evident through her activity with many Norwegian and international nursing groups. During her eight-year term as vice president of the Norwegian Nurses Organisation, she was heavily involved in fostering collaboration and exchange between the NNO and nurse organizations in Rwanda and Malawi. Bjøro currently serves as the second vice president of the International Council of Nurses
“Dr. Bjøro has been a leader in global health and nursing internationally,” writes her nominator. “She represents the important impact graduates of the college have made not only in our country but around the world.”