Nominate an outstanding nurse for a 2021 recognition award

Do you know a nurse who deserves to be celebrated for his/her/their exceptional contributions to the profession of nursing?

The WSNA and Professional Nursing and Health Care Council awards recognize WSNA members who have made significant contributions in nursing practice, leadership, education and research. These awards will be presented during the Washington State Nurses Convention, being held virtually April 28-29, 2021.

Nominations must be accompanied with a narrative from the nominator listing the nominee’s credentials and achievements, and a copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae/resumé.

The deadline to submit nominations is Sunday, Feb. 28.

Honorary Recognition Award

For significant contributions, distinguished service or valuable assistance to the nursing profession.

The nominee must be a WSNA member who has actively contributed by serving in an elected or appointed office or has been a consumer advocate and/or interpreted the role of nursing to consumers.

2019 Award recipient: Azita Emami, PhD, MSN, RNT, RN, FAAN, Executive Dean of the University of Washington School of Nursing

Marguerite Cobb Public Health / Community Health Nurse Award

For outstanding professional contributions to public health or community health, as well as calling these achievements to the attention of members of the profession and/or general public.

The nominee must be a current and active WSNA member or have been a WSNA member during the years of service for which this award is given and must have made a significant contribution and have shown leadership in the field.

2019 Award recipients: Dorene Hersh, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for Public Health — Seattle & King County

Betty Bekemeier, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, professor at the University of Washington School of Nursing and director of the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice in the School of Public Health

Annie Bruck, DNP, MN, RN, COHN-S, occupational-environmental health nursing leader and Senior Lecturer and Director of Behavioral Health: School District Program at University of Washington Bothell.

Joanna Boatman Staff Nurse Leadership Award

This award for leadership was established in 1995 in recognition of Joanna Boatman’s significant contributions to the advancement of staff nurses and her achievements in improving the economic and general welfare of nurses in Washington state.

The nominee must currently be employed as a staff nurse and must have made a significant contribution (at the local or state level) to the advancement of staff nurses or in the economic and general welfare area of nursing.

2019 Award recipient: Edna Cortez, RN, local unit chair at Seattle Children’s Hospital

ANA Honorary Membership Pin

Presented to a WSNA member or members in recognition of outstanding leadership, as well as participation in and contributions to the purposes of WSNA and ANA.

The nominee must have demonstrated outstanding leadership and must have held elected/appointed state, national or district office.

2019 Award recipient: Jan Bussert, BSN, RN, former president of Washington State Nurses Association

Community Partner Award

Recognizes a community and/or consumer partner who has significantly contributed to promoting health and a positive image of nurses through advocacy, safety and/or quality health care improvement.

The nominee has demonstrated interest in professional nursing by contributing in a concrete way to its growth and development, and promoting a better understanding of professional nursing in the community.

2019 Award recipient: Jeff Johnson, former president of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO

Excellence in Practice Award

Recognizing excellence in practice in the direct care of patients/clients

The nominee demonstrates an evidence-based contribution or achievement that positively impacts patients and the advancement of nursing practice. The nominee also leads through effective collaboration with stakeholders and colleagues.

2019 Award recipients: Bob Smithing, MSN, ARNP, FAANP and Maddy Wiley, MSN, ARNP, FAANP, providers and owners of Family Care of Kent

Leadership and Management Award

Recognizing excellence in nursing leadership and management

The nominee promotes the professional development of nurses and facilitates excellence in clinical practice. With progressive leadership, this nurse fosters a care environment that promotes creativity and enhances quality of care in a safe, supportive and professional working environment.

2019 Award recipient: Sarah Bear, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, Nursing Program Academic Administrator at Western Washington University

Nurse Educator Award

Recognizing excellence in nursing education

The nominee demonstrates excellence in nursing education through evidence-based, innovative and inspirational methods that promote learning and enthusiasm.

2019 Award recipient: Brenda Zierler, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor at University of Washington School of Nursing and Director of Research, Training and Faculty Development, UW Center for Health Sciences Interprofessional Education, Research, and Practice

Ethics and Human Rights Award

Recognizing excellence in ethics and human rights

The nominee, through major contributions or achievements, supports ethical and human rights issues in Washington state through partnerships with communities.

2019 Award recipient: Antwinett Lee, EdD, MSN-CNS, RN, Interim Dean of Undergraduate Nursing and Assistant Professor of Nursing at the Seattle Pacific University of Health Sciences

Nurse Researcher Award

Recognizing excellence in nursing research that addresses practice issues

The nominee must have conducted research that uses sound research procedures and has direct practice implications, with findings disseminated through publications, presentations and/or conferences.

2019 Award recipient: Elizabeth Bridges, PhD, RN, CCNS, FCCM, FAAN, professor in the Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics Department at the University of Washington School of Nursing