Honoring all-star preceptors Lara, Ochoa, Rutherford receive inaugural awards
Students could not become nurses or advanced practice providers without hands-on experience overseen by health care professionals serving as preceptors.
To recognize their invaluable contributions, the Department of Graduate Studies at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston established the Annual Graduate Clinical Preceptor Awards. The first three honorees are long-time preceptors who have helped dozens of students achieve their educational goals.
“This well-deserved recognition honors our exceptional clinical preceptors who serve as the cornerstone of graduate clinical education,” said Kala Christopherson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, an assistant professor and co-coordinator of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track at Cizik School of Nursing. “These dedicated professionals demonstrate outstanding commitment to the education and mentorship of students working toward Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees as well as post-graduate completion certificates.”
Student Choice Award
Recent MSN-FNP program track graduate Benjamin Flint, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, nominated Jose Lara, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, ENP, CNE, CNEcl, who showed him the ropes at two urgent care clinics in Houston.
“Dr. Lara is patient and understanding,” Flint said. “He meets you where you are in your development and does his best to bring you further.”
Lara, who earned his MSN on the FNP track and completed Emergency/Trauma Care (ETC) post-graduate courses at Cizik School of Nursing, also inspired his protégé to give back and become a preceptor himself.
Faculty Excellence Award
The first recipient of this award, which honors outstanding collaboration, communication, and partnership with the school of nursing, is Jaime Ochoa, MSN, APRN, CNP, ENPC, who sees patients at a local family medicine practice.
“Mr. Ochoa is an excellent preceptor who works with students to strengthen their skills over their rotation,” said Colleen Manning, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, an assistant professor. “He challenges students to critically think and not miss important red flags, helping them to become high-quality independent clinicians.”
Manning and recent FNP graduate Nelly Miranda nominated Ochoa, who also completed the FNP and ETC tracks at Cizik School of Nursing.
Distinguished Service Award
Angela Rutherford, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC, was a prime candidate for this award, which celebrates preceptors who have demonstrated longevity and sustained commitment to graduate-level nursing education, recognizing their significant contribution to advancing the profession through educational excellence. A long-time advanced care provider at UT Health Services, Rutherford precepts students nearly every semester.
“Mrs. Rutherford has gone out of her way for me and other students to ensure we receive the highest level of support, and she readies us for the workforce to be trustworthy and competent providers,” said Douglas Green, a recent FNP graduate who nominated her along with Manning and Kala Christopherson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, an assistant professor and co-coordinator of the FNP track.
UT Health Services is the nurse-managed primary care, occupational health, and employee health clinic operated by Cizik School of Nursing.
Sherri Deatherage Green
