Chapters to be recognized for exemplary efforts to make a difference in the healthcare profession and their communities
ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — March 31, 2016 — The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is recognizing 16 of its more than 225 chapters worldwide for their exemplary efforts to make a difference in the healthcare profession and their communities. Awards will be presented during the 2016 National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition, New Orleans, May 16-19.
“Through our chapters, nurses are able to collaborate to further their knowledge, advocate for what nurses and patients need, and support and encourage one another,” said Karen Certalic, AACN chapter specialist. “The exceptional efforts of these chapters help inspire our entire community of more than 100,000 members.”
Excellence in Collaboration: Three chapters were honored for their collaboration with other chapters and external groups:
- Greater Portland (Oregon) Chapter
- Hawaiian Islands Chapter, Honolulu
- Rochester (Minnesota) Chapter
Excellence in Community Education & Public Service: Three chapters were recognized for outstanding public service and community education contributions that support AACN’s mission, vision and values:
- Hawaiian Islands Chapter, Honolulu
- Lagniappe Chapter of Central Louisiana, Alexandria
- West Houston Chapter, Katy, Texas
Excellence in Educational Programming: Three chapters were honored for high-quality educational programming provided to acute and critical care nurses:
- Greater Portland (Oregon) Chapter
- Metropolitan Orlando (Florida) Chapter
- Ventura County Chapter, Oxnard, California
Excellence in Leadership Development: This award is presented in memory of Sharon Connor, AACN director of membership and chapters from 1985 to 1997, for her advocacy of volunteerism and dedication to the success of chapters. Three chapters were recognized for leadership development, succession planning and support of AACN’s mission, vision and values.
- Central Indiana Chapter, Indianapolis
- Greater Kansas City (Missouri) Chapter
- Triangle Chapter, Durham, North Carolina
Excellence in Promoting the Value of Certification: Three chapters were honored for their efforts to increase the number of certified nurses as well as improve certification renewal:
- Greater Portland (Oregon) Chapter
- Greater Rochester Area Finger Lakes Chapter, Rochester, New York
- Pacific Crest Regional Chapter, Medford, Oregon
President’s Award: Four chapters were recognized for their efforts to integrate AACN’s theme, “Courageous Care,” in activities and programs throughout the year:
- Albuquerque (New Mexico) Chapter
- Central Oregon Chapter, Bend
- Piedmont Carolinas Chapter, Charlotte, North Carolina
- San Fernando Valley Chapter, Van Nuys, California
About the National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition: Established in 1974, AACN's National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI) represents the world's largest educational conference and trade show for nurses who care for acutely and critically ill patients and their families. Bedside nurses, nurse educators, nurse managers, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners attend NTI.
About the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Founded in 1969 and based in Aliso Viejo, California, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world. AACN represents the interests of more than 500,000 acute and critical care nurses and includes more than 225 chapters worldwide. The organization's vision is to create a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution.