DEMING – Western New Mexico University nursing instructor Joline Lowe has been recognized with a statewide teaching award for her innovative approach to preparing future nurses through interactive, hands-on learning experiences.
Lowe, RN, MSN-Ed., DNP(c), received the New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium (NMNEC) Faculty Teaching Award, which honors educators who advance high-quality, standardized nursing education throughout New Mexico. The NMNEC curriculum connects nursing programs across the state, allowing students to transfer credits between participating colleges and universities.
Lowe recently completed her first year of teaching at WNMU after relocating from San Antonio, Texas. She was recognized for creating engaging classroom activities that help students develop critical thinking skills while reducing the stress often associated with nursing education.
“Nursing school is notoriously high-stress, and when students are anxious, they are not in the mindset to learn,” Lowe said. “If we can lower that anxiety and inject some fun into the process, students become much more receptive to the knowledge.”
Among her teaching methods is an “Amazing Race”-style review competition that challenges graduating nursing students with clinical scenarios before they begin their capstone experiences. She also uses creative simulations, including a specially prepared Barbie doll to teach burn assessment and fluid resuscitation calculations, along with medication reconciliation exercises designed to sharpen students’ attention to detail.
Lowe brings more than 26 years of experience as a bedside nurse, including work in trauma intensive care and specialized pediatric care. She said her goal is to help students build confidence and critical thinking skills in a safe learning environment before they begin caring for patients.
“It is all about building critical thinking in a safe environment,” Lowe said. “I would much rather a student catch a medication error or solve a clinical mystery here in the lab with me than out on their own when a human life is on the line.”
The award includes a $1,000 professional development endowment, which Lowe plans to use for future NMNEC educational opportunities. She said she intends to bring new ideas and training back to WNMU to benefit both faculty and future nursing students.
Lowe will be formally recognized during the upcoming New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium statewide faculty workshop.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News – John@bravomic.com
