For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: April 4, 2025
Newton selected as Daisy Award recipient
Fennimore -Shawna Newton was honored with the prestigious Daisy Award at the conclusion of the fall semester at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. Newton, a 2020 graduate of Boscobel High School, graduated from the Associate Degree – Nursing (ADN) program at Southwest Tech in December 2024.
The award is given each semester to an extraordinary Nursing student. “A lot of emotions,” said Newton, when she learned she was the award winner. “One of the biggest emotions was gratitude. It’s easy in healthcare to feel like you are not doing enough, or you could be doing more. When it was shared what my patients and family and friends had to say, it helps me realize that I am going in the right direction with my career.”
Newton had originally enrolled in the Elementary Education program at UW-Stevens Point. She decided shortly after enrolling that would not be her career. After speaking with her sister, who had graduated from the ADN program at Southwest Tech, Newton started and completed the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. That eventually led to the Nursing program. Newton’s aunt is currently enrolled in the Nursing program at Southwest Tech, as well.
Newton also chose a career in nursing because of the time she spent with her great-grandmother before she passed away. Newton spent 11 days in the hospital next to her great-grandmother and “seeing how well the nursing staff cared for her, really made me want to be someone to help patients and their family members in such difficult times.”
Following graduation from Southwest Tech, Newton has been working as a long-term care nurse at two local nursing homes. She plans to move to South Carolina soon to work in a stepdown ICU unit. She has friends in that area and was able to visit the hospital in January. “They were very welcoming and kind,” she said.
Reflecting on her educational journey, Newton is pleased with her decision to enter the nursing profession. “I’m grateful every day that I made the switch,” she said. “What I love about nursing is the wide variety of options. I am always learning and there is always something new to do.”
Newton is also happy with the choice to attain her degree at Southwest Tech. “I loved it,” she said. “All the instructors were so welcoming. They really step up for their students and show their support. They make their students know they are supportive of their success. They are very involved.”
Dedication is the key to success, says Newton. “It takes a lot of time away from family and friends,” she said. “You have to be devoted to the book, but the struggle is worth it.”
As for advice for current or future Nursing students, Newton suggests utilizing everything the instructors offer. “They are amazing at answering questions and helping students learn,” she said. “We all learn differently, and they were able to explain things differently to me, when I needed it.”
“I think Southwest Tech is a great place to go, whether it’s Nursing or another career,” added Newton. “You don’t have to go to a four-year college to get a good education.”
About the DAISY Award
The acronym DAISY stands for Disease Attacking the Immune System, and the foundation was formed by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 due to complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) in 1999. The family was touched by the compassionate care of the nurses who cared for Patrick and developed the DAISY Award Foundation to honor and celebrate direct care nurses, nursing students, and nursing faculty.
Any licensed, registered nurse, nursing faculty, or nursing student is eligible to be nominated for a DAISY Award. The honoree receives a certificate in a DAISY portfolio, a hand-carved Healer’s Touch sculpture from Zimbabwe, an honoree pin, a congratulations banner to hang in the unit (optional for schools of nursing), a copy of their nomination, a gift bag, and cinnamon rolls to share. After the presentation, the honoree is added to the DAISY Foundation website, and the nurse is then eligible for numerous professional development, education, and wellness benefits.