Nursing Clinical Excellence Leadership Award

Applicants must be actively involved in improving and disseminating HF outcomes, nationally and internationally, along with serving as mentors to future HF emerging leaders and must be:

• A registered nurse who works directly with HF patients and their families
• Must be an HFSA member continuously for two years

Applicants cannot be: 

• HFSA Nursing Committee members
• A past winner of this award

1. Demonstrates excellence in HF patient care delivery (direct care)
Examples:

• Demonstrated advanced heart failure assessment skills
• Uses appropriate problem-solving and evidence-based decision-making to improve heart failure status and quality of life
• Uses interventions that improve patient outcomes or quality of care
• Focuses on consistently maintaining quality of care
• Recognized as a clinical expert in heart failure care among peers and colleagues

2. Evidence of systematically addressing the quality and effectiveness of HF management programs, nursing practice, and patient outcomes
Examples:

• Continuous quality improvement monitoring

• Participates in guideline development

3. Develops new or unique HF projects or forums that contribute to the growth and development of others
Examples:

• HF symposia, workshops

• Innovative educational programs about HF patient care

• Mentors students, peers, other professionals in comprehensive management of heart failure patients

4. Contributes actively to improving HF outcomes by participating in regional, national, or international efforts
Examples:

• Local or national committee work related to improving HF outcomes

• Consulting with other institutions or companies supporting HF care

• Precepts students for local universities

5. Develops communications about HF
Examples: 

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals

• Editorial boards

• Authors book chapters

• Authors newsletters

• Presents posters at conferences

• Invited speaker at conference

Applicants can either self-nominate or be nominated by a colleague. Previous applicants can re-apply (new application is required). Each nomination should consist of:

Self-Nominee:

1. Cover letter including contact information of nominee (name, address, fax, phone, e-mail).
2. A detailed summary of accomplishments should address each of the evaluation criteria. Summary to be single spaced, 1-inch margins, and not to exceed two pages.
3. CV or resume
4. Two letters of support from colleagues (maximum length 2 pages)

Nominated by a colleague:

1. Cover letter from nominator including contact information of nominee (name, address, fax, phone, e-mail).
2. A detailed summary of accomplishments should address each of the evaluation criteria. Summary to be single spaced, 1-inch margins, and not to exceed two pages.
3. Second letter of support from another individual (maximum length 2 pages)
4. Nominee CV or resume.

NOTE: Please make sure all submission requirements are included. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Nomination Process:

1. Nominations received by the deadline for submissions will be reviewed by the Nursing Committee.
2. Nominees who do not receive the award are eligible to be nominated again next year.
3. Nursing Committee members cannot be nominees

Submitting a Nomination:

All submissions must be emailed directly to Sharon Atterbury at with "HFSA Nurse Award Nomination" in the subject line.

2023 – Laura Peters, DNP, FNP

2022 – Maria White, FHFSA, FNP/ACNP-BC, MSN

2021 – Lydia Albuquerque, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, CCRN

2020 – Sonja Brune, MSN, APRN, CCNS, CHFN, AACC 

2019 – Cindy Bither, ACNP, ANP

2018 – Natalie W. Pierson, RN, BSN, MSN, FHFSA 

2017 – Johana R. Almansa, DNPc, RN, ANP-BC, CHFN

2016 – Peggy Kirkwood, RN, MSN, ACNPC, CHFN, AACC

2015 – Diane Gauthier

2014 – Karol Harshaw-Ellis

2013 – Beverly Baum

2012 – Kismet D. Rasmusson, MS, FNP-BC

2011 – Susan E. Ammon, RN, MS, FNP

2010 – Mary Beth Earley, CCRN, MSN, ANP-c

2009 – Donna F. Pettruccelli, MSN, CRNP

2008 – Sara C. Paul, RN, MSN, FNP

2007 – Suzanne J. Wingate, RN, Ph.D.

2006 – Kimberly Huck, ND, RN