June 2026 Honoree
Michelle Johnson, BSN, RN, ONC
I am honored to recognize Michelle Johnson for her extraordinary dedication to nursing education and her impact on the future nursing workforce.
Over the past year, Michelle has demonstrated exceptional leadership, coordination, and heart in successfully onboarding 109 nurse interns into the Fargo market. This achievement is the result of countless hours of behind-the-scenes work-from interviewing candidates and pre-boarding to coordinating closely with leaders and educators. Managing a program of this size and complexity requires not only organization and diligence, but also an unwavering commitment to the success of each individual learner. Michelle embodies all of these qualities.
Every year brings new challenges, and this year was no exception. From navigating logistical barriers like parking stickers to addressing concerns around student placement due to academic setbacks, Michelle handled each situation with professionalism, agility, and critical thinking. She consistently asks the right questions and pivots quickly to ensure both organizational needs and student experiences are met with excellence.
What truly sets Michelle apart, however, is her deep advocacy for students. When a group of interns participating in an international academic experience risked losing their placement due to missing orientation, Michelle stepped forward without hesitation. She advocated strongly on their behalf and even offered to personally re-conduct orientation to ensure they wouldn't be penalized for pursuing a valuable educational opportunity. Because of her persistence and compassion, these students were able to participate in a highly sought-after internship experience.
In another instance, Michelle was asked to pivot quickly to support a small group of students who had initially been denied placement due to failing a class. Rather than allowing them to simply join general orientation, Michelle recognized their challenging journey and chose to provide a more personalized, supportive onboarding experience. She intentionally created a welcoming, nurturing environment to help them reset and succeed-demonstrating her belief that every student deserves encouragement and a strong start.
Michelle pours her heart into this work, and it shows. She understands that today's interns are tomorrow's nurses, and her commitment to developing this pipeline is evident in the care, patience, and excellence she brings to the program. Despite the inevitable surprises and complexities that come with managing over 100 interns, Michelle remains calm, adaptable, and solutions-focused year after year.
Because of Michelle Johnson, more than 100 nurse interns each year experience a meaningful, supportive, and unforgettable internship at Sanford. Her passion, advocacy, and dedication exemplify the very essence of the DAISY Nurse Educator Award.
Michelle exemplifies the core characteristics of the DAISY Nurse Educator Award in every aspect of her work. She consistently demonstrates deep empathy and compassion through her unwavering commitment to ensuring the best possible experience for every intern, even when unexpected challenges arise. Rather than allowing barriers to limit opportunities, Michelle leans in with understanding and determination to create positive outcomes.
She builds meaningful, lasting connections across all levels of the organization, serving as the vital link between leaders, educators, and interns. Her ability to foster trust and collaboration makes her the "glue" that holds this complex program together.
In addition, Michelle's adaptability and flexibility are evident in her continuous growth of the internship program. Through her advocacy and vision, she has successfully expanded opportunities into ambulatory and network settings, areas that were previously unsupported, opening doors for learners to experience diverse and valuable aspects of nursing practice.
Over the past year, Michelle has demonstrated exceptional leadership, coordination, and heart in successfully onboarding 109 nurse interns into the Fargo market. This achievement is the result of countless hours of behind-the-scenes work-from interviewing candidates and pre-boarding to coordinating closely with leaders and educators. Managing a program of this size and complexity requires not only organization and diligence, but also an unwavering commitment to the success of each individual learner. Michelle embodies all of these qualities.
Every year brings new challenges, and this year was no exception. From navigating logistical barriers like parking stickers to addressing concerns around student placement due to academic setbacks, Michelle handled each situation with professionalism, agility, and critical thinking. She consistently asks the right questions and pivots quickly to ensure both organizational needs and student experiences are met with excellence.
What truly sets Michelle apart, however, is her deep advocacy for students. When a group of interns participating in an international academic experience risked losing their placement due to missing orientation, Michelle stepped forward without hesitation. She advocated strongly on their behalf and even offered to personally re-conduct orientation to ensure they wouldn't be penalized for pursuing a valuable educational opportunity. Because of her persistence and compassion, these students were able to participate in a highly sought-after internship experience.
In another instance, Michelle was asked to pivot quickly to support a small group of students who had initially been denied placement due to failing a class. Rather than allowing them to simply join general orientation, Michelle recognized their challenging journey and chose to provide a more personalized, supportive onboarding experience. She intentionally created a welcoming, nurturing environment to help them reset and succeed-demonstrating her belief that every student deserves encouragement and a strong start.
Michelle pours her heart into this work, and it shows. She understands that today's interns are tomorrow's nurses, and her commitment to developing this pipeline is evident in the care, patience, and excellence she brings to the program. Despite the inevitable surprises and complexities that come with managing over 100 interns, Michelle remains calm, adaptable, and solutions-focused year after year.
Because of Michelle Johnson, more than 100 nurse interns each year experience a meaningful, supportive, and unforgettable internship at Sanford. Her passion, advocacy, and dedication exemplify the very essence of the DAISY Nurse Educator Award.
Michelle exemplifies the core characteristics of the DAISY Nurse Educator Award in every aspect of her work. She consistently demonstrates deep empathy and compassion through her unwavering commitment to ensuring the best possible experience for every intern, even when unexpected challenges arise. Rather than allowing barriers to limit opportunities, Michelle leans in with understanding and determination to create positive outcomes.
She builds meaningful, lasting connections across all levels of the organization, serving as the vital link between leaders, educators, and interns. Her ability to foster trust and collaboration makes her the "glue" that holds this complex program together.
In addition, Michelle's adaptability and flexibility are evident in her continuous growth of the internship program. Through her advocacy and vision, she has successfully expanded opportunities into ambulatory and network settings, areas that were previously unsupported, opening doors for learners to experience diverse and valuable aspects of nursing practice.
Thank you, Michelle, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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