Show-Me State Times

Prospective nursing students may find inspiration at Saint Louis University, where educators like Elaine Young, DNP, are recognized for their teaching excellence. Young, an assistant professor of nursing, was named a top educator in the region at the annual Excellence in Nursing Awards and is featured in the May issue of St. Louis Magazine.

The magazine editors noted that "these nurses consistently exhibit selfless care, compassion, and service. We never cease to be moved by these nurses' inspiring work, from life-changing moments of life and death to kind, thoughtful gestures that make a lasting impression on patients and their loved ones."

Young teaches Complex Care theory courses for seniors in the traditional BSN program. She shared with St. Louis Magazine that "teaching and building relationships with students are among her favorite aspects of the job" and discussed her approach to being an educator.

"In developing that relationship, it’s a fine line between the friend and the teacher," said Young in a St. Louis Magazine interview. "I won’t become their buddy, but I will come alongside them and make them feel good about themselves. I never criticize anybody without telling them at least two or three good things about what they do."

In 2022, Young received the Daisy award from the Daisy Foundation to honor her extraordinary compassion towards patients and families. Beyond teaching and patient care, she volunteered with 21 SLU students on a medical mission trip in January 2023, providing medical and dental care to nearly 100 people.

SLU had three other finalists for Excellence in Nursing awards this year. Samantha Marquard, DNP—an associate professor of public health—was nominated in the Community/Ambulatory Care category after previously being nominated in 2020 for Advanced Practice. Eve Holzemer, DNP—an adjunct professor of nursing—was named a finalist in Women’s Health.

Amy Kief—a fourth-year graduate nursing student at SLU—was also a finalist in the Educator category. As an instructor at Southern University at Illinois – Edwardsville specializing in family and community health, Kief appreciates the valuable knowledge gained at SLU. The finalists were selected by a prestigious committee.