• Print Page
• Send to a Friend
• 
  
• 
  

By Melissa Wirkus, associate editor

Whether working at the frontline of care or helping to develop national policies, nurses work in one of the most diverse professions in the world. Their influence over health care has led them to touch the lives of almost everyone in the country. Unfortunately, the accomplishments and hard work of nurses often goes unnoticed.

As health care systems across the country prepare for National Nurses Week, we look to recognize and acknowledge the nurse leaders who have made a difference in health care and the profession as a whole.

In an effort to recognize female health care executives for their accomplishments, Modern Healthcare has released its third biennial list of “The Top 25 Women in Healthcare for 2009.” Amongst distinguished leaders, CEOs and other prominent health care figures, at least six registered nurses were honored with this distinguishment.

Rosemary Kennedy, RN, MBA, chief nursing informatics officer for Siemens Healthcare, has been recognized for her work in health care information systems and the development and implementation of electronic health records.

Rosemary Kennedy, RN, MBA, chief nursing informatics officer for Siemens Healthcare said she was proud and honored to be part of such an outstanding group of women, and acknowledged her experience as a nurse for helping her get to where she is today.

“As nurses, we are born leaders,” she said. “We have the responsibility to lead various members of health care teams.”

Her work as a nurse helped her build a foundation of skills that she has used throughout her career. She learned to be a collaborator, develop infallible confidence within her skill set and also have a tremendous sense of courage. Kennedy credits her professional success to the expertise  she developed as a nurse.

In addition to her scrupulous work at Siemens within the Nursing Informatics field, Kennedy also stresses the importance of mentoring other nurses. “It’s very important that we help out other nurses and mentor them as leaders. Nurses are the backbone of health care.”

For Lucille Janatka, BSN, MSN chief executive officer of MidState Medical Center in Meriden, Conn., being honored with the recognition came as a shock and welcomed surprise.

“It’s an incredible honor, I feel so humbled when I look at the other women in this group.”

Janatka, who has been the CEO of MidState for 10 years, said that her professional nursing experience and supportive group of co-workers helped her secure a position on the prestigious list.

“I think having had the opportunity to practice professional nursing and learning from caring for people and providing clinical services. It built a foundation for me to lead in a unique and powerful way,” Janatka said. “I have been blessed with working with dedicated and talented people, and they have enabled me to have success.”

Mary Wakefield, the recently appointed administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, and registered nurse, is also featured on the list.

Colleen Conway-Welch, Ph.D., RN, Dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, is known for launching the first accelerated BSN program, which is now part of the curriculum at hundreds of nursing schools nationwide.

One of the longest sitting deans of a nursing school in the country, Colleen Conway-Welch, Ph.D., RN, Dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, was recognized on the list for her long-standing dedication to the nursing community. She will celebrate her 25th anniversary as dean for the nursing school this fall.

“Colleen is very deserving of this national honor,” said Harry Jacobson, M.D., vice chancellor of health affairs for Vanderbilt University.  “To be chosen as one of the Top Women in health care means you have had an impact.  Colleen has had an enormous impact on health care and her field by redefining the nursing profession.  She is a forceful advocate for an expanded role for nurses. She takes risks, and she leads.”

As the nursing profession continues to evolve and change it is important that we acknowledge and learn from all of the seasoned nurse leaders who have paved the way for future generations.

© 2009. AMN Healthcare, Inc. All Rights Reserved.