The International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) has presented the Duke University Center for Nursing Discovery (CND) team with an Award of Excellence as this year’s celebrated recipient of the “Frontline Simulation Champion" Excellence Award. 

Those recognized include:

• Nikki Blodgett, CND director
• Michele Kuszajewski, CND assistant director
• Danett Cantey, clinical nurse educator
• Dana Convoy, clinical instructor
• Raymond Brisson III, technical operations coordinator 
• Tiffiany Parker, simulation technology specialist
• Nashonda Thomas, staff assistant 
• Margory Molloy, former CND director and associate professor
• Jacqueline Vaughn, PhD '20
• Jamie Mancuso, clinical instructor

This award is given in recognition of the high regard the team has earned from their peers, colleagues and others who submitted praise-filled comments and a strong letter of support with their INACSL nomination. The CND team is regarded by its peers as exceeding expectations “through the innovative design of simulation-based learning experiences, dedication to service leadership and scholarship, and dependable collaboration with faculty and staff.”

Valerie Howard, vice dean, Academic Affairs, wrote the letter of support/encouraging the CND team to apply and Midge Bowers, associate professor, nominated the team. The leadership, mentorship and collegiality of Margie Molloy, associate professor was also instrumental. 

The award will be presented to the CND team during the 2021 International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning Annual Conference from June 16 to 18. The team will also have published their name, photo and a summary of their outstanding contributions to the simulation practice community in an awards presentation made by the president at the conference and in print in the INACSL's online newsletter and on the Hall of Honor section of the organization's website.