Category: Announcements

WAKEFIELD, Mass. — March 20, 2026 — The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) today announced the recipients of its 2026 national awards, recognizing clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) whose work is advancing patient care, strengthening health systems, and shaping the future of the profession. The awards were presented at the NACNS Annual Conference in San Diego, California.

Each year, NACNS honors individuals whose contributions stand out for their innovation, leadership, and sustained commitment to excellence. Selected by their peers, these award recipients represent the very best of CNS practice, professionals who not only deliver exceptional care, but who also influence how care is designed, delivered, and experienced.

“This year’s honorees reflect the strength and impact of clinical nurse specialist practice,” said NACNS President Jackie Iseler, DNP, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE, FCNS. “Each demonstrated leadership in ways that meaningfully improve care for patients and families, support effective team-based practice, and advance the CNS role. We are pleased to recognize their work and the contributions they continue to make.”

The 2026 NACNS National Award winners are:

1. Brenda Lyon Leadership Award: Alyson Keen PhD, RN, ACNS-BC
2. Brenda Lyon Leadership Award: Kimberly Elgin DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC, PCCN, CMSRN, FCNS, FAAN
3. Sue B. Davidson Service Award: Lynn Mohr PhD, APRN, PCNS-BC, CPN, FCNS, FAAN
4. Rising Star Clinical Nurse Specialist of the Year: Emily Stelter, DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC
5. Armed Forces Clinical Nurse Specialist of the Year: Sarah Chilson MSN, APRN, ACNPC-AG, ACCNS-AG, CCRN
6. Clinical Nurse Specialist Academic Faculty Award: Niloufar Niakosari Hadidi, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, FAHA
7. Clinical Nurse Specialist Evidence-Based Practice/Quality Improvement Award: Kristi Wilkins MSN, APRN, CCNS, CCRN
8. Clinical Nurse Specialist Evidence-Based Practice/Quality Improvement Award: Sarah R. Rutledge MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN, OCN
9. Clinical Nurse Specialist Innovator of the Year Award: Nikki Taylor BSN, MS, RN, AGCNS-BC
10. Clinical Nurse Specialist Mentor of the Year: Carol L. Delville PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, FCNSI
11. Clinical Nurse Specialist Preceptor of the Year Award: Sarah Fuhrmann, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC
12. Clinical Nurse Specialist Researcher of the Year Award: Alyson Keen PhD, RN, ACNS-BC
13. Clinical Nurse Specialist of the Year Award: Jennifer Katlen, Med, MSN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, GERO-BC
14. NACNS Affiliate of the Year Award: California Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
15. President’s Award: Kathleen Vollman, MSN, RN, CCNS, FCCM, FCNS, FAAN

Across hospitals, clinics, and communities, CNSs play a critical role in improving outcomes, elevating standards of care, and supporting the professionals who deliver it. This year’s award recipients reflect the breadth and depth of that impact, leading initiatives that enhance patient safety, expand access to care, mentor the next generation of nurses, and introduce new models of practice that respond to today’s most pressing healthcare challenges.

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

Katie Gladis
NACNS Public Relations
Email: nacnscomms@nacns.org

Newly elected leaders will represent and advocate for nearly 90,000 clinical nurse specialists across the country.

WAKEFIELD, Mass. – Dec. 29, 2025 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) announced the results of its 2026 leadership election, naming three incoming board members, four nominating committee members, and the 2026 president-elect. Their terms will begin following the NACNS Annual Conference in March 2026.

As the voice for nearly 90,000 clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) nationwide, NACNS advances the work of this essential group of advanced practice registered nurses. CNSs contribute deep clinical expertise across settings, support complex care decisions, and help strengthen patient outcomes through evidence-based practice and informed leadership.

Current President Rick Bassett, MSN, RN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, FCNS, LSSGB, welcomed the newly elected leaders and reflected on the responsibilities that lie ahead for the CNS community.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to our newly elected colleagues. Their commitment comes at a time when clinical nurse specialists are contending with significant pressures across practice environments, education pathways and workforce sustainability. Serving our membership remains central to keeping this role strong, and I’m confident that our new leaders will help advance that work with clarity and purpose.”

2026 President, Jackeline Iseler, DNP, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE, FCNS, added, “I am delighted to welcome our new representatives and am grateful for their willingness to step into these important roles. Working together, we will continue to reinforce the strength and visibility of the clinical nurse specialist profession. Their leadership will be instrumental in supporting CNSs nationwide and in advancing the standards of practice that our patients and health systems rely on.”

Alec Stone, MA, MPA, CNE, will continue to serve as the NACNS Executive Director. His role was introduced in 2025 to provide continuity, additional advocacy, and long term vision to the organization.

Newly elected leadership for 2026 includes:

2026 President-Elect

•  Kayla M. Little, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, PCCN, FCNS

Board of Directors

• Mary Lawanson-Nichols, MSN, RN, CNS, NP, CCRN, FCNS
• David F. Bradley Jr., Lt Col (Ret.), USAF, DNP, MSN, AGCNS-BC, CNOR, FCNS
• Marcia S. Cornell, DNP, APRN-CNS, RN, ACNS-BC, NPD-BC, CEN, TCRN, FCNS

Nominating Committee Members

• Audrey Tran, MSN, RN, AACNS-N, Maj, USAF, NC
• Samantha DiBlasi, MSN, RN, NP-C, CNS, CEN
• Matthew Blake, DNP, RN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CNOR, DiMM, Maj, AN
• Christina Vejnovich, DNP, APRN-CNS, AGCNS-BC, CDP, CADDCT, PCCN-K

About The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists

NACNS is the only national association in the U.S. representing the CNS. It is committed to showing the value of the CNS as an APRN, embracing full practice authority for all CNSs, providing support to individual CNSs, CNS programs, and entities employing CNSs, and achieving and maintaining organizational excellence. NACNS strives to meet its vision that every CNS is an APRN with a full scope of practice and is a transformative innovator leading improvement across healthcare environments. For more information or to join NACNS, click here.

Media Contact
Claudia Houde
NACNS Public Relations
Tel: (781) 876-6227
Email: choude@virtualinc.com

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Institute (CNSI) is pleased to announce the 2026 Class of CNSI Fellows. This is a highly prestigious honor and is only awarded to those members of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) who epitomize the excellence of clinical nurse specialists as leaders of the nursing profession, staunch advocates for patients and families, and forerunners of innovations to improve the health of populations.

The new fellows will be inducted on Tuesday, March 10th, during the NACNS 2026 Annual Conference in San Diego, California. All NACNS members and conference attendees are welcome and encouraged to attend by purchasing guest tickets to the GALA Celebration & CNSI Induction Dinner event; available on the NACNS 2026 Annual Conference registration website.

The CNSI 2026 Class of Fellows are:

Sarah Andrews, DNP APRN ACNS-BC ANVP-BC RN ASC-BC CRRN SCRN PCCN-K CMSRN
Ascension Texas Network Stroke Program Manager
Ascension Texas, Austin TX

Matthew Beier, MS, RN, CNS-BC, APNP, CNOR
Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist
Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI

Jennifer Bierbaum, DNP, RN, APRN-CNS, AGCNS-BC, CENP, CPHQ, GERO-BC
Director of Nursing Practice & Innovation
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, Clinton, MD

Casey Blalock, MSN, APRN, CNS, CPN
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Rady Children’s Health, San Diego, CA

Karrie Boss, DNP, RN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN, EBP-C
System Director Evidence-Based Practice
Summa Health, Akron, OH

Sarah Chilson, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, ACNPC-AG, CCRN
Lieutenant Commander
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
United States Navy
Jacksonville, FL

Julie-Kathryn Graham, PhD APRN ACCNS-AG
Associate Professor, Nurse Scientist
San Diego State University, Sharp Healthcare, San Diego, CA

Karen Fotino, DNP, APRN, RN, AGCNS-BC, GERO-BC, MEDSURG-BC, CMSRN
Associate Clinical Professor
Northeastern University, Boston, MA

Amanda Golino, DNP, APRN, CCRN, CCNS, PMGT-BC, TCRN
Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
Inova, Leesburg, VA

Ashley Hill, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CCRN
Senior Specialist Global Medical Affairs
Baxter International, Raleigh, NC

Jennifer Katlen, MEd, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, GERO-BC
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital, Warrensville Heights, OH

Alyson Keen, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC
Nurse Scientist
Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN

Myra King, DNP, APRN-CNS, ACNS-BC, CCRN-CSC
APRN Manager
Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH

Nora Love-Retinger, DNP, RN, CNS, CURN, OCN
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY

Danilo Mendoza, DNP, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN
Department Chief of Critical Care Nursing
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD

Erin Pope, DNP, RN, AGCNS-BC, AMB-BC
Connected Care Nurse Manager/Facility Telehealth Coordinator
VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, Loma Linda, CA

Christine Perebzak, MSN, APRN, PCNS-BC
Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, Emergency Department
Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, OH

Tiffany Rader, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, CMSRN
Manager Nursing Practice and Quality
Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN

Leasha Roy, MSN, MHA, APRN, ACCNS-AG, PCCN, CCRN
Clinical Nurse Specialist
ChristianaCare, Newark, DE

Kimberly Sanchez, PhD, RN, CNS, CCRN, ACCNS-AG
Nurse Scientist
Keck Medical Center of USC, Los Angeles, CA

Kathy Shaffer, DNP, APRN, NE-BC, AGCNS-BC, C-ONQS
Director of Nursing Practice – Ambulatory Care
Advocate Health, Charlotte, NC

Sheree Scott, PhD, RN, AGCNS-BC, CMSRN
Associate Professor
University of San Diego, San Diego, CA

Shelley Sherman Zapata, MSN, APRN-CNS, CEN
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Rady Children’s Health San Diego, San Diego, CA

Christine Slaughter, DNP, APRN-CNS, CCRN, CCNS, CV-BC
Cardiovascular Clinical Nurse Specialist
University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY

Michael Szeliga, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CMSRN, CPHQ
Clinical Nurse Specialist
ChristianaCare, Newark, DE

Kimberly Wittmayer, MS, APRN-FPA, PCNS-BC, PMGT-BC, AP-PMN
Advanced Practice Supervisor
Advocate Children’s Hospital, Oak Lawn, IL

Please join us in congratulating our CNSI 2026 Class of Fellows!

In 2016, the CNSI was founded as an arm of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS). Its goal is to develop and promote the charitable, educational, innovative clinical practice, and scientific purposes of NACNS. Today, the Clinical Nurse Specialist Institute is the 501(c)3 arm of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Dear NACNS Members,

It is with some humility and a great deal of excitement that I proudly introduce myself as the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists’ (NACNS) new Executive Director.

Having worked with national nursing membership organizations for close to 20 years, I can clearly state that the role of the nurse has never been more important in society than it is today! Science, medicine, and healthcare are under assault, yet for more than two decades, nursing has remained the most trusted and ethical profession in the United States. And for a very good reason, the nurse is the point of contact with the patient during life’s most vulnerable moments.

NACNS, as the professional home for clinical nurse specialists, is critical in raising awareness for the community. With reportedly more than 90,000 US CNSs, NACNS remains a vital voice on clinical, educational, and workforce issues. Through programming, CEUs, research, conferences, and advocacy, NACNS is taking the experiences and expertise of CNSs to decision-makers, helping to transform the field.

It remains a challenging time, but with that, there are opportunities. Just as nurses do, NACNS will continue to find solutions to problems, paving the way for a stronger discipline, and its dedication to the profession, the practice, and the patient.

Your voice is needed in this worthy endeavor! Get engaged, join a committee, promote an idea, and enlist a colleague! The future can often be uncertain, but clinical nurse specialists persevere!

Feel free to reach out and let me know how proud you are to be a NACNS member!

Sincerely,
Alec

Alec Stone, MA, MPA, CNE
alec@NACNS.org

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:

1. President’s Award: Phyllis Whitehead, PhD, APRN, ACHPN, PMGT-BC, FNAP, FAAN
2. CNS Preceptor of the Year Award: Tina M. DeGroot, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, AGC, CWCN
3. Academic Faculty Award: Jennifer Kay Peterson, PhD, APRN-CNS, CCNS, CNE, FAHA
4. CNS Mentor of the Year Award: Tiffany Rader, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, CMSRN
5. CNS of the Year Award: Mary Beth Modic, DNP, APRN-CNS, CDCES, FAAN
6. Armed Forces CNS of the Year Award: MAJ Lucy C. McNamee, DNP, RNC-OB, CLC
7. Rising Star CNS of the Year Award: Ivelisse Sanchez, DNP, APRN, ACCNS-P, CPN, CPEN
8. NACNS Affiliate of the Year Award: Indiana Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
9. 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

The NACNS Bylaws are regularly reviewed by the NACNS Board of Directors. In 2022, the Board reviewed the existing bylaws, drafted and approved proposed changes. According to Article VX, Section 1 of the NACNS Bylaws, “All proposed amendments received in proper form by the Board of Directors and submitted to the board of directors must be circulated to the entire membership, not less than thirty (30) days prior to the vote. The amendments shall be voted on by the membership at the annual meeting of the NACNS.

In accordance with this, the proposed bylaw change has been made available for NACNS member review here. Members may review this document and cast their vote on it at the Annual Business Meeting, held onsite at the Annual Conference in Boston, MA on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Please contact info@nacns.org with any questions.

Proposed Bylaws for Member Review

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Institute (CNSI) is pleased to announce the 2025 Class of CNSI Fellows. This is a highly prestigious honor and only awarded to those members of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) who epitomize the excellence of Clinical Nurse Specialist as leaders of the nursing profession, staunch advocates for patients and families, and forerunners of innovations to improve the health of populations. The new fellows will be inducted on Tuesday, March 11th during the NACNS 2025 Annual Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. All NACNS members and conference attendees are welcome and encouraged to attend by purchasing guest tickets to the GALA Celebration & CNSI Induction Dinner event; available on the NACNS 2025 Annual Conference registration website.

The CNSI 2025 Class of Fellows are:

Keitha R Beamer, DNP, APN, PMHCNS-BC, CARN-AP
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatric/Mental Health
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Gloucester County Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Shannon A Brunt, DNP, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN, CBRN, CWCN, TCRN
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult-Gerontology
University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Carly C Byrne, DNP, APRN, PCNS-BC, CCNS, CENP, CPN, CCRN
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Pediatric
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska

Alianna C Crotty, DNP, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, NE-BC
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult-Gerontology
Naval Medical Center, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Gina M Crudden, DNP, APRN-CNS, ACCNS-AG, CMSRN
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult-Gerontology
Assistant Professor – DNP Adult Gerontology Curriculum Coordinator, Nebraska Methodist College, Omaha, Nebraska

Jennifer L Elmer, DNP, APRN, CCNS, CCRN, FCCM
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Critical Care
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

Andi Foley, DNP, RN, APRN-CNS, EMT, ACCNS-AG, CEN, TCRN, CSM, LSSGB, FAEN
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Acute Care Adult-Gerontology
St. Luke’s Health System, Emergency Department and Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho

Maria C Gallup, DNP, APRN, CCNS-N, NNP-BC, RNC-NIC
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Neonatal
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

Ellen M Harvey, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, TCRN, SCRN, FCCM
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Neuroscience, Critical Care
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Department of Surgery, Neurotrauma ICU, Roanoke, Virginia

Kayla M Little, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, PCCN
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult-Gerontology
Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio

Jeannette Meyer, MSN, RN, APRN-CNS, CCRN, CCNS, PCCN, ACHPN
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Palliative Care
UCLA Health, Santa Monica, California

Pamela Moss, MSN, MPH, APRN-CNS, ACCNS-AG, CCRN-CSC
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Acute Care Adult-Gerontology
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland

Carrie Peluso, DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult
Chief Nursing Officer, Providence Health and Services Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska

Kenneth Romito, DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CNE, CNOR, CSSM, FAORN
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult-Gerontology
Assistant Professor, Uniformed Service University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Bethesda, Maryland

Ludmila Santiago-Rotchford, DNP, RN, CNS, ACNS, PCCN
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult Health
Bayhealth, Dover, Delaware

Elizabeth M Savage, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CWON, IIWCC-NYU
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Wound & Ostomy
New York University Langone Health, Wound & Ostomy Program Manager, New York, New York

Theresa (Tess) Slazinski, DNP-APRN, RN, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN, CCNS
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Critical Care
Ventura County Medical Center, Ventura, California

Olena Svetlov, DNP, RN, AGNP/CNS, CCRN, ATCN, PHN, NE
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult-Gerontology
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Critical Care, Los Angeles, California

Tracy Thomas, MSN, APRN, CCRN, TCRN, ACNS-BC
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult Health
Mayo Clinic, Critical Care, Phoenix, Arizona

Theodore J Walker, Jr., APRN, MSN, A-CNS, CNOR, NPD-BC, CPPS
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Perioperative
Providence Alaska Medical Center, Anchorage, Alaska

Please join us in congratulating our CNSI 2025 Class of Fellows!

In 2016, the CNSI was founded as an arm of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS). Its goal is to develop and promote the charitable, educational, innovative clinical practice and scientific purposes of NACNS. Today, the Clinical Nurse Specialist Institute is the 501(c)3 arm of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists.

The NACNS Bylaws are regularly reviewed by the NACNS Board of Directors. In 2022, the Board reviewed the existing bylaws, drafted and approved proposed changes. According to Article VX, Section 1 of the NACNS Bylaws, “All proposed amendments received in proper form by the Board of Directors and submitted to the board of directors must be circulated to the entire membership, not less than thirty (30) days prior to the vote. The amendments shall be voted on by the membership at the annual meeting of the NACNS.”

In accordance with this, the proposed updated Bylaws have been made available for NACNS member review here. Members may review this document and cast their vote on it at the Annual Business Meeting, held onsite at the Annual Conference in Boston, MA on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Please contact info@nacns.org with any questions.

Proposed Bylaws for Member Review

Electors Poised to Serve Nearly 90,000 Clinical Nurse Specialists Nationwide

WAKEFIELD, Mass. – Dec. 4, 2024 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) today announced the election of new leadership for 2025, including three new board members, four new nominating committee members, the 2025 President-Elect, and the 2025 Secretary/Treasurer. Their terms will start after the NACNS Annual Conference in March 2025.

Representing the over 89,000 clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) nationwide, NACNS continues to advocate for this unique group of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). With expertise in diagnosing, treating, prescribing, and leading health care innovation, CNSs are pivotal in improving patient outcomes and advancing evidence-based care.

Jennifer Manning, DNS, ACNS-BC, CNE, and current President of NACNS, highlighted the importance of strong leadership in driving NACNS’s mission forward.

“NACNS leaders are more than representatives – they are personally dedicated to CNSs and the critical roles they play in health care systems across the U.S. This year’s newly elected leadership brings a wealth of experience and a passion for advancing the CNS profession. I thank them for their commitment to such an important cause,” she said.

The current President-Elect, Rick Bassett, MSN, RN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, FCNS shared his excitement for the upcoming year and his plans for the CNS community.

“It is both a privilege and a responsibility to serve as the President-Elect of NACNS,” said Bassett. “As we enter a transformative time in health care, I remain dedicated to strengthening the CNS role and showcasing our value. I look forward to collaborating with the talented leaders and members of NACNS to achieve these goals in 2025 as President.”

Newly elected leadership for 2025 includes:

2025 President-Elect

•  Jackeline Iseler, DNP, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE, FCNS

Secretary/Treasurer

• Patricia Tuite, PhD, RN, CCNS, FCNS

Board of Directors

• Kristen Hill, DNP APRN-CNS, AGCNS-BC, MEDSURG-BC, LSSYB
• Amy Shay, PhD, RN, APRN-CNS, FCNS
• Lakeshia Benn, DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC

Nominating Committee Members

• Joshua Smith, DNP, MA, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CNOR, MAJ/AN
• Christy Mitchell, Major, USAF, DNP, AGCNS-BC, CNOR, RNC-OB
• Kimberly Pate, DNP, RN, ACCNS-AG, PCCN, NE-BC, FCNS
• Gina Crudden, DNP, APRN-CNS, ACCNS-AG, CMSRN

About The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists

NACNS is the only national association in the U.S. representing the CNS. It is committed to showing the value of the CNS as an APRN, embracing full practice authority for all CNSs, providing support to individual CNSs, CNS programs, and entities employing CNSs, and achieving and maintaining organizational excellence. NACNS strives to meet its vision that every CNS is an APRN with a full scope of practice and is a transformative innovator leading improvement across healthcare environments. For more information or to join NACNS, click here.

Media Contact
Melissa Bednar
NACNS Public Relations
Tel: 919.671.2796
Email: mbednar@virtualinc.com

The American Academy of Nursing (AAN) announced its 2024 Class of New Fellows. This prestigious distinction recognizes nurses’ substantial contributions to the health care industry, honoring inductees as dynamic leaders making positive changes in their communities. 

This year, the NACNS is proud to highlight thirteen Clinical Nurse Specialists among the inductees. Congratulations to the following 2024 New Fellows:

Denise E. Bryant-Lukosius, PhD, MSc, BScN, RN, CON(C) – McMaster University School of Nursing (Canada)

Elizabeth A. Scruth, PhD, MPH, RN, CCNS, CCRN, FCCM, FCNS, CPHQ – Northern California Kaiser Permanente Hospitals and Health Plan (California)

Michelle L. Collins, DNP, APRN, CNS, ACNS-BC, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, LSSBB – Christiana Care Health System (Delaware)

Carrie M. McDermott, PhD, RN, APRN, ACNS-BC – Emory Healthcare (Georgia)

Dave Hanson, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, NEA-BC – Society of Critical Care Medicine (In Memoriam) (Illinois)

Jane R. von Gaudecker, PhD, RN, AGCNS, FAES, CGNC – Indiana University School of Nursing (Indiana)

Priscilla K. Gazarian, PhD, CNS, RN – University of Massachusetts Boston (Massachusetts)

Lydia D. Rotondo, DNP, RN, CNS, FNAP – University of Rochester School of Nursing (New York)

Shelly Wells, PhD, MBA, MS, APRN-CNS, BC-CNS, ANEF – Northwestern Oklahoma State University (Oklahoma)

Laura M. Criddle, PhD, ACNS-BC, CCNS, CCRN, CEN, CPEN, CFRN, CTRN, TCRN, CBRN, NRP FP-C, CCP-C, FAEN – TCAR Education Programs (Oregon)

Heather E. Cuevas, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC – The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing (Texas)

Angela Ross, DNP, RN, MPH, PMP, DASM, PHCNS-BC, FHIMSS – University of Texas Health Science Center Houston McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics (Texas)

Tina S. Gustin, DNP, CNS, RN – Old Dominion University School of Nursing (Virginia)