Excellence in Nursing Education: Recognizing Dr. Oluwakemi Opanubi and Dr. Jercilla Murmu at Washington Adventist University

TAKOMA PARK, MD –   Maryland Higher Education Commission institutes nursing awards annually, aiming to support nursing programs in the state. For the past year 2023, Washington Adventist University is honored to be acknowledged for two certificates: Excellent in Teaching assigned to Dr. Oluwakemi Opanubi, and Engagement in Nursing Program & Institution to Dr. Jercilla Murmu. 

Along with the immense price of this recognition comes a $10,000 grant that teachers can spend on workshops and academic activities, enabling them to have the most updated information to enhance their teaching. 

This money comes from the hospital revenue and is reinvested in new nurses, creating a virtuous cycle. 

“These grants make it possible for the state to increase the number of nurses graduating, providing additional and highly educated nurses to align with our workforce demand,” former Governor Larry Hogan said.

“These grants are one more example of how Dr. Peg E. Daw and her team at NSP II are developing critical partnerships with institutions across the state that support the ongoing need for highly skilled and highly trained nursing professionals in Maryland,” Secretary Fielder said.​

“My colleagues possess impressive qualifications, and we share a common interest in enhancing the nursing program and advancing the nursing profession. The pursuit of additional certifications reflects their commitment to maintaining a high standard of quality within the program. I truly value their dedication and contributions,” remarked Dr. Griffin, Chair of the nursing department at WAU.

In five years of service as an associate professor of nursing, Dr. Opanubi proved her envisioning skills,  bringing creativity into teaching. “Given the different types of learners, my effort tries to meet everyone’s needs. An example is bringing my drums to class, involving music in the learning process by establishing a link between the sounds of different instruments and how the body functions. My goal is to enhance students’ learning experience, involving innovative techniques to help them enjoy and understand the material.”

“I feel grateful and  honored to receive this award, however, my main desire is the excellence of students in the nursing field instead of mine,” concluded Dr. Opanubi.

On the other hand, 10 years ago Dr. Murmu reached the school in a challenging moment of her life, finding WAU a blessing. Besides being part of the revamping of the nursing program, she serves as Nursing Director, Department of Nursing’s Associate Director, and Simulations Coordinator. Through all of this training, she has been exposed to every facet of nursing, including the skills lab, simulation lab, hospitals, and leadership responsibilities.

“I value every student in my class and believe they can learn. Every student learns differently and may have different challenges. I provide students with opportunities to use different learning styles through classroom participation, assignments, quizzes, hands-on practice in the skills laboratory, and clinical practice experience through direct patient care. 

Having students in all learning environments allows me to help provide guidance and nurturing as they mature in their content materials. Using technology in the classroom, laboratories, and clinical sites also offers ample opportunities for meeting learning needs to improve critical thinking and become safe practitioners. 

Junior students have their first hospital experience with me as an instructor. It can be overwhelming, especially if students need more confidence in knowledge, skills, and experience. I encourage them, provide them with various learning opportunities to build confidence and critical thinking skills, and help them make better clinical judgments for patient care”, commented Dr. Murmu.

“I am excited about the award and thankful that my contribution to the nursing department and University was recognized.  The award is an excellent motivator for my development as a teacher. After all, the best part of my job is having the opportunity to attend a faith-based Adventist institution, as I consider being a nurse educator a call from God even before becoming a registered nurse”, concluded Dr. Murmu.