By Jeff Samoray, OU Web Writer

The Detroit Newspapers recently awarded Jeri Buckley, a junior nursing major at Oakland University, the 2003 Lorene R. Fischer Award and named her Michigan Student Nurse of the Year. A panel of judges made up of nurses, instructors and various nursing board members selected Buckley from a field of 150 nominees. Buckley received $500 and a trophy in an impromptu classroom ceremony.

"I was presented the award in front of my peers. All the available nursing faculty and people throughout the school of nursing came to class to celebrate. It completely took me by surprise," Buckley said. "Without a doubt, this award is the most significant one I've yet achieved."

The selection criterion for the Fischer award, which is named after the dean of the College of Nursing at Wayne State University from 1977-87, includes high academic achievement, active participation in the community and involvement in direct patient care. The award recipient also must be within a year of graduation.

The award adds to a significant list of achievements for Buckley. She also received the 2002 OUAA School of Nursing Alumni Affiliate Scholarship for her professionalism and commitment to nursing, and the School of Nursing's Board of Visitor's Nightingale Award for 2001-2002 due to her strong clinical performance and participation in student and community service. Buckley also will spend this summer at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., participating in a nursing externship. She is one of just 150 students nationally to be selected for this prestigious opportunity.

"The externship is a chance for me to get my feet wet as a nurse and use the critical thinking skills I've developed," Buckley said. "It's about applying what you've learned so far and preparing you for what's to come."

Bukley is the co-vice president of the OU Student Nurses Association and second vice president in the Michigan Nursing Students Association. She works as a nurse's aide in the Intensive Care Unit at Port Huron Hospital and plans to begin her career as a traveling nurse anesthetist.

"I was a casino dealer for 12 years in Las Vegas, but I left that career for nursing because I wanted to do something I'd enjoy," Buckley said. "I made great money in Las Vegas, but I wanted to do something more meaningful. I really wanted to do it right the second time around, and receiving the Fischer award is a big indication that I'm doing something that's right for me."

For more information on courses, academic programs, faculty and continuing education opportunities, visit the School of Nursing Web site, or contact the school at (248) 370-4253 or nrsinfo@oakland.edu.