Advancing Nursing Excellence: UAA School of Nursing Leaders Honored by Western Academy of Nurses
by Rachel Musselwhite & Jessica Degnan |
Founded in 1989, the honors nurses who have been actively engaged with the Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) for five to 10 years, recognizing excellence in scholarship, practice, and education. This prestigious recognition highlights individuals who contribute significantly to the advancement of nursing in the western United States.
For UAA School of Nursing Director Carla Hagen and Associate Director Kristin Lutz, the mission of WIN (to improve public health through visionary leadership in nursing research, practice, and education) aligns closely with their vision for the UAA School of Nursing.
Hagen shares, 鈥淭he mission of the UAA School of Nursing is to promote the health and well-being of people and communities by fostering excellence and innovation in nursing education, research, and healthcare. As the director of the School of Nursing, I want our faculty and students to have the opportunity to interface with visionary leaders and current nursing research, practice, and scholarship across the nation. This alignment provides a stronger foundation of evidence and learning for our institution and students.鈥�
Hagen and Lutz join a distinguished group of UAA faculty who have been inducted into WAN. Former UAA nursing faculty members Tina DeLapp and Christine M. Mumma were previously inducted into WAN. DeLapp, who nominated Hagen and Lutz for a WAN fellowship, has been involved with WIN since 1980, when she presented her first poster on traditional Inupiat health practices. She served on the program committee for more than 20 years and is currently involved in the awards committee.
DeLapp praised both Hagen and Lutz for their commitment to building the nursing program at UAA. 鈥淏oth Carla and Kristin have been quite supportive of building the New Nurse Scholar Award fund, which will send a UAA nursing student to present their work at WIN, in effect recruiting new members to WIN and possibly helping to build future UAA nursing faculty.鈥�
鈥淗er [Hagen鈥檚] teaching excellence was evident in her nursing program building and partnering with health organizations in both Oregon and 麻豆无码版, and in her stabilization of the UAA School of Nursing,鈥� said DeLapp. 鈥淗er commitment to WIN was clear in her frequent presentations at its annual conference, including presentations given by her students, as well as renewing UAA鈥檚 membership and active involvement in WIN.鈥�
DeLapp noted that Lutz had received teaching awards and a long list of publications in refereed journals and arenas. 鈥淗er commitment to WIN was evident in her two terms on the program committee. Some of that time overlapped with mine, and we worked closely together on organizing and judging for poster awards.鈥�
For Hagen, being inducted into the academy has been an honor, and she hopes to continue inspiring others in their nursing careers. 鈥淚 am again appreciative of the opportunities I have been given in my nursing career by strong nursing leaders, educators, and mentors,鈥� said Hagen. 鈥淚t also impresses on me an increased sense of responsibility to share opportunities with our faculty and the next generation of nurses.鈥�