2011 AANN Award Winners

Excellence in Clinical Practice Award

Nora Kramer has been a strong influence, introducing young people to the field of nursing through her passion for her position and showing nurses in her organization that patient care remains a number one priority for nurses. She serves as nurse manager of a Neurological Intensive Care unit, overseeing 250 employees and staff 34 ICU beds and 30 step-down beds. Before beginning her 25-year career serving neuroscience patients, Nora served as a volunteer and social worker in nations across Central America.

Says one reference, "Her experiences in caring for victimes of civil strife, poverty and adversity have served her well in dealing with the patients who arrive on our units with devastating, life-altering injuries. Her compassion and patience serves as an example for all her staff."

Excellence in Advanced Practice Award

Marilynn Maida is highlighted best by a referrer, who says "This RN is an exemplary employee who consistently demostrates excellent clinical skills and technical understanding. She stays current on the latest technologies...and teaches in a collaborative and effective manner. She encourages others to expand their knowledge and continue growing. She is a champion of the hospital, of nursing, of patients and of the neuroscience division."

This past year, she won her hospital quality department's award for BEST DATA. Her efforts at tracking key indicators resulted in no post-operative PE, DVT, hemorrhages, or sepsis in the neurological population in 2010. In addition, Marilynn hosts a regular regional neuroscience update for nurses in her own organization, as well as her hospital's sister organization. She is involved in several committees within her facility, including stroke, ICU, and advanced practice nursing.

Excellence in Neuroscience Education Award

Carey Heck has offered her knowledge and expertise as an educator in a variety of arenas. She's delivered sessions and presented posters at past AANN meetings. She has also published articles in the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing. She shares her educational sessions and lessons with a variety of audiences and content ranges across the neuroscience nursing continuum, from mild TBI to stroke to critical care.

As a colleague states in her nomination letter, "This APN is committed to (the idea) that 'knowledge is power' and is dedicated to sharing her knowledge as a means of empowering other nurses both within the hospital environment as well as those studying at the university."

In addition to her speaking and authoring skills, this nurse has been a preceptor for graduate students, hosts didactic sessions for newer nurses, developed a 5-stage neuroscience nursing orientation and successfully taught a CNRN review course that enabled all 16 students to pass the exam.

Rising Star in Clinical Practice

Corissa Post began her career in international relations, moving into nursing just two years ago. Nursing peers elected her Chair of her Education Council and she is one of 3 designated Ethics Aces for her unit. She serves as a preceptor, authored a unit-based educational program and skills program, and is a designated mentor and lecturer.

She is also an accomplished award winner. A 'Valiant Women's Scholarship' helped her join us this year in Kansas City; she was also awared the Archstone Foundation Grant to be a trainer for the End of Life Nursing Program Consortium.

Her nominating peer said it best. "Corissa's future is bright! She is a beacon of light; a bright star in the sky of nursing. Our patients and their families benefit from her presence, skill, compassion and expertise. Her peers recognize her as an exceptional nurse and leader. She is a Rising Star!"

Outstanding Chapter of the Year

The Birmingham Chapter supports and advances activies of AANN through development and implementation of innovative projects. The group hosted six educational events, offering more than 18 continuing educational units for local neuroscience nurses. In addition to their annual neuroscience update, they offered three 1-hour programs and a pediatric program.

This chpater was also active in community volunteering evetns. They co-hosted an event with the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation to raise awareness and offer education to local helthcare providers. They also participated in their local Epilepsy Walk and a chapter member gave talks on head injury prevention at local schools as part of the Think First program. The Birmingham Chapter focused efforts on membership with success, adding just over 20 members in a year.