Cynthia Chew, DNP, CPNP-PC, an assistant professor of nursing in the Department of Health Promotion and Development and Coordinator of Nurse Practitioner Programs, was named the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) Novice Faculty Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award winner for 2022.
“I was surprised and delighted,” said Dr. Chew (DNP ’16, BSN ’10). “There are so many talented nursing faculty across the nation. To be nominated was a great feeling but being selected from such a talented group is incredible.”
Chew has taught in both the undergraduate and graduate programs at the School of Nursing since 2019. Her teaching responsibilities include well child pediatric primary care, differential diagnosis, nursing care of mothers, newborns and families, and various clinical courses. Chew said it was always her goal to become a nursing educator and to be recognized this early in her career with a national award is validating.
“Teaching is my favorite part of being a nurse,” said Chew. “I love spending time educating patients and families. To take that passion to the next level and be a part of educating the next generation of nurses and APRNs who will be providing care and education to their patients is such a privilege. It is also incredibly rewarding to see students grow and learn throughout their program and then watch them flourish in their careers. Pitt nurses make a huge impact wherever they go, and I’m honored to be a part of that.”
The AACN’s Novice Faculty Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award recognized Chew’s teaching in clinical settings. Chew precepts all the department’s PNP and nurse-midwifery students in her own clinical practice, Pediatric Associates of Westmoreland.
“By both teaching in the classroom and precepting in the clinical area, Dr. Chew bridges the gap, acting as an exemplary role model and exhibiting professional values and standards,” said Denise Charron-Prochownik, PhD, and Professor and Chair Health Promotion and Development.
And when it comes to teaching at Pitt Nursing, Chew said it’s all about the learning environment and community that keeps her here.
“I love teaching at Pitt Nursing because innovation and integration of evidence-based practice is so strongly encouraged and supported,” said Chew. “If I want to develop and incorporate new teaching strategies so that my students can have a better learning experience, there are so many resources available in the School of Nursing and throughout the University that make it possible. The Pitt community has a wealth of physical resources and experts willing to collaborate to improve the education our students receive. The community is what keeps me here! Hail to Pitt!”
Chew will be recognized during an AACN conference in 2023 and spotlighted on the organization’s website.