AANN Awards Program
The AANN Awards program recognizes individual and team contributions toward AANN's mission and vision. Members and Chapters who demonstrate excellence within practice arenas in addition to advancing neuroscience nursing through local, regional, or national AANN activities are welcome to apply for an award. If you are eligible or know of an eligible individual who demonstrates the award criteria, please submit your application by January 16, 2013.
Rising Star in Clinical Practice Award
This award recognizes excellence in clinical practice for an emerging neuroscience nurse in the novice to competent stage of career development, and is open to all AANN members with 1–3 years' experience in neuroscience nursing. Nominees for this award demonstrate their commitment to neuroscience nursing through a high standard of practice and professionalism, knowledge of neuroscience and neuroscience patient, and a caring approach to patients. Apply for the Rising Star in Clinical Practice Award.
Excellence in Clinical Practice Award
This award recognizes excellence in clinical practice for a neuroscience nurse, and is open to all AANN members with a master's degree. Nominees for this award demonstrate excellence in practice and contributions to neuroscience nursing and are influential role models in neuroscience nursing. Apply for the Excellence in Clinical Practice Award.
Excellence in Advanced Practice Nursing Award
The Excellence in Advanced Practice Nursing Award is awarded to a neuroscience nurse in an advanced practice role. Nominees for the Excellence in Advanced Practice Nursing Award demonstrate excellence in nursing care and advancement of neuroscience nursing as a specialty through the development and support of nurses. This award is open to all AANN RN members practicing in an Advanced Practice role in neuroscience nursing. Advanced Practice role as defined by ANA includes the roles of Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Midwife, and Nurse Anesthetist. Apply for the Excellence in Advanced Practice Nursing Award.
Excellence in Neuroscience Education Award
The recipient of the Excellence in Neuroscience Education Award demonstrates excellence in neuroscience nursing through contributions that inspire, develop, and support nurses in the provision of care to neuroscience patients. This award is open to all AANN RN members providing education related to neuroscience nursing including Clinical Educators, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Academic Faculty, and Staff Nurses. Nominees for the Excellence in Neuroscience Education Award may not be considered for other AANN awards concurrently. Apply for the Excellence in Neuroscience Education Award.
Mary Decker Mentorship Award
This award, open to all AANN members, annually recognizes a neuroscience nurse for modeling excellence and mentoring other neuroscience nurses. Mary Decker exemplified excellence in mentorship through her work as a staff nurse, nurse practitioner, and member of the Hydrocephalus Association, Medical Advisory Board. As one of the first neuroscience PNPs in the country, her passion and commitment for mentoring was demonstrated as she guided both novices and experienced nurses. Apply for the Mary Decker Mentorship Award.
Outstanding Chapter of the Year Award
This award recognizes outstanding chapters that support and advance the activities of AANN. This award is given in acknowledgment of chapter innovation that contributes to neuroscience nursing evidenced by development and implementation of innovative projects. Activities may be in the areas of education, health promotion, or other areas identified as a need by the chapter. Apply for the Outstanding Chapter of the Year Award.
2013 Award Winners
Excellence in Clinical Practice- Patricia A. Zrelak, RN PhD CNRN NEA-BC
Rising Star in Clinical Practice- Lauren Siebrase, BSN RN
Excellence in Advanced Practice- Jean Luciano, MSN RN CRNP CNRN FAHA
Excellence in Neuroscience Education- Maureen T. Smith, RN MSN CNRN
Mary Decker Mentorship- Nadine Nielsen, ARNP C-PNP
Outstanding Chapter of the Year- Not awarded in 2013
2012 Award Winners
Excellence in Clinical Practice- Tina Resser
Rising Star in Clinical Practice- Anne Naulty
Excellence in Advanced Practice- Marie Namey
Excellence in Neuroscience Education- Tracey Berlin
Outstanding Chapter of the Year- Central Texas
Mary Decker Mentorship- Not awarded in 2012
2011 Award Winners
Read more about the 2011 award winners. The 2011 awards were presented at the AANN 43nd Annual Educational Meeting in Kansas City, MO.