Atlanta, Ga. – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) today presented its prestigious Affiliate of the Year Award to the Northeast Ohio Clinical Nurse Specialists (NEOCNS). The Award recognizes an NACNS affiliate that has sustained membership growth, offered innovative and creative educational opportunities, built clinical nurse specialist (CNS) leadership, contributed to NACNS’ growth and advanced the CNS role.
NEOCNS’ membership has rapidly grown since 2013 as a forum for clinical nurse specialists in Northeast Ohio to network, collaborate and stay informed. Since its inception, NEOCNS has distributed information regarding the changes occurring in health care, both locally and nationally, and offered innovative, creative continuing education programs encouraging nurses to get involved in public policy and advocacy.
Numerous NEOCNS members have played key roles in NACNS, including volunteering on the Malnutrition Task Force, Transitions in Care Task Force, CNS Core Competencies Task Force, Alarm Fatigue Task Force, Practice Committee and 2017 Conference Planning Committee. NEOCNS members have also contributed to the science of nursing practice, as researchers and publishing often in peer-reviewed journals.
NEOCNS members also fill leadership roles of other nursing and specialty organizations, amplifying the work of clinical nurse specialists in Ohio and around the country. For example, NEOCNS members have served in leadership roles with a local AACN chapter, the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses, Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses and more.
“The Northeast Ohio Clinical Nurse Specialists is a vibrant organization,” said NACNS 2017 President Vince Holly, MSN, RN, CCRN, CCNS. “This affiliate has been a steadfast and strong supporter of NACNS’ goals and mission. They continue to increase awareness the CNS role in health care.”