Honoring Outstanding Contributions to the Advancement of CNS Practice
WAKEFIELD, Mass. – Mar. 19, 2025 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) recently announced the recipients of its 2025 awards at its Annual Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.
As the only nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to supporting the nation’s 90,000 clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), NACNS is committed to strengthening the profession through advocacy, education, and practice advancement. CNSs are a vital part of healthcare, serving as one of the four recognized roles within the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) category.
Each year, NACNS honors CNSs who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. Award recipients are nominated and selected by their peers for their dedication, innovation, and leadership in the field.
“This group of CNSs embody excellence and deep commitment to advancing our profession,” said NACNS President Rick Bassett, MSN, RN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, FCNS. “Their dedication and contributions have helped shape NACNS and will continue to drive the future of the CNS role. We are proud to recognize their impact.”
The 2025 NACNS National Award Winners are:
- President’s Award: Phyllis Whitehead, PhD, APRN, ACHPN, PMGT-BC, FNAP, FAAN
- CNS Preceptor of the Year Award: Tina M. DeGroot, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, AGC, CWCN
- Academic Faculty Award: Jennifer Kay Peterson, PhD, APRN-CNS, CCNS, CNE, FAHA
- CNS Mentor of the Year Award: Tiffany Rader, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, CMSRN
- CNS of the Year Award: Mary Beth Modic, DNP, APRN-CNS, CDCES, FAAN
- Armed Forces CNS of the Year Award: MAJ Lucy C. McNamee, DNP, RNC-OB, CLC
- Rising Star CNS of the Year Award: Ivelisse Sanchez, DNP, APRN, ACCNS-P, CPN, CPEN
- NACNS Affiliate of the Year Award: Indiana Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
- CNS EBP/QI Award: Susan Bedwell, APRN, CCNS-N, DNP
About the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) is the only national association representing the clinical nurse specialist (CNS). A CNS is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) prepared by a master’s, doctoral, or post-graduate certificate-level CNS program. CNSs diagnose, prescribe, and treat patients and specialty populations across the continuum of care. The CNS improves outcomes by providing direct patient care, leading evidence-based practice, optimizing organizational systems, and advancing nursing practice. NACNS is dedicated to advancing CNS practice and education, and removing unnecessary and limiting regulatory barriers while assuring public access to quality CNS services. Learn more and discover the benefits of joining the NACNS.
Media Contact
Melissa Bednar
NACNS Public Relations
Tel: +1 781.876.8962
Email: mbednar@virtualinc.com