Patti McFadden, associate professor of nursing at Louisiana Tech University, has been named a recipient of the 2017 Nurse’s Touch Award from Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) Nursing Education. ATI Nursing Education’s Nurse’s Touch Award honors outstanding educators for advancing professionalism, leadership and communication skills in nursing education programs.  McFadden was selected as one of four recipients from a group of over 800 nominations representing the best nursing educators in the nation. “I am honored to receive this award and it means even more that a student nominated me,” said McFadden.  “Louisiana Tech creates a supportive environment that allows educators to thrive and focus on teaching strategies that motivate students to be their very best. Nursing education is a very rewarding profession.  When you see the future generation of nurses be so successful and know you are a small part of the reason, there is no better feeling.” According to the ATI Nursing Education’s award announcement, McFadden impressed judges with her integration of professional and interpersonal skills as a nurse and her education of students. These skills include teaching nursing students how to stay healthy, manage work-related stress, be a patient advocate, convey professional behaviors and attitudes, use nursing informatics and technology, and function as a leader of the healthcare team. “We are thrilled with this excellent recognition for Patti McFadden,” said Dr. Donna Hood, professor and director of Louisiana Tech’s nursing program.  “Our students and employers consistently recognize the excellence of the nursing faculty at Louisiana Tech University, and this national recognition of Mrs. McFadden speaks to the quality and commitment of our faculty. This student-focused commitment is what makes this program and our nursing graduates truly exceptional.” Shelby Yarbrough, a recent Louisiana Tech nursing graduate, nominated McFadden for the Nurse’s Touch Award and was in attendance for the presentation.  Yarbrough said McFadden told the students that it is important to be the nurse you would want taking care of your loved one and treat them like you would your family. “Patti taught us to ask questions if we are not sure about something and that no question is a dumb question,” said Yarbrough.  “She never sugar coated anything when I was her student. She was honest about how some days a nurse, it is going to be extremely tough, but so rewarding. And for that I am grateful.  Patti didn’t just teach us how to pass boards in 75 questions, she opened our eyes and showed us that being a nurse is such an awesome and honorable profession.” McFadden earned her associate’s degree in nursing from Louisiana Tech and her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Grambling State University.  Her research interests focus on sexual heath awareness and she is a certified sexual assault nurse examiner.  McFadden is a member of the International Association of Forensic Nurses, the Louisiana Student Nurses Association, and is a past president of the Louisiana Association of Forensic Nurses.