Nurse Excellence Awards

Three annual excellence in nursing awards open to nurse educators and nurses who are members in good standing with CLN. These awards, highlight exemplar nurse educators and nurses in Connecticut. 

Awarded Annually in June.  Nominations accepted through May 1st.

Invest in CT Nursing Workforce.  Consider a donation to support these Annual Awards.

The Jane E. Murdock "Life-Long" Learning Award

Awarded to a nurse educator (academia or practice) who has:

1. Demonstrated knowledge as an Exemplar Nurse Educator.  Examples may include certified as a nurse educator or professional development educator; use of best practices; incorporating an evidence-based approach in teaching
2. Identified "high priority" needs for continuing education within the nursing workforce.  Examples may include conducting surveys, focus groups; literature review
3. Developed innovative and successful programs to address the identified need(s).   Examples may include credit and non-credit programs that are accessible and flexible and based on adult learning principles;  programs that incorporate the use of technology
4. Demonstrated a commitment to teaching.  Examples may include dedication to the profession (member of professional organizations CLN, NLN, NISOD etc.); sharing expertise via presentation, publications, committee membership/chairs
5. Inspired novice and seasoned nurses to pursue additional degrees/continuing education.  Examples may include individual counseling/mentoring;  group events;  publications
   
6. Earned the respect of students and colleagues.  Examples may include: peer awards, regarded as an "expert", and/or works to advance the profession/quality of nursing education

Previous award winners

Nominations

Submit Nomination

​2011 - Lillian Rafeldt, Professor of Nursing at Three Rivers Community College
2012 - Eileen George, Naugatuck Valley Community College
2013 - Carole Pomarico, Fairfield University
2014 - Carol Polifroni, University of Connecticut
2015 – Deborah Shelton, Center for Correctional Health Networks, UCONN
2016 – Beth Boyd, Sacred Heart University
2017 – Barbara Aronson, Southern Connecticut State University
2019 - Susan DeNisco, Sacred Heart University
2021 - Christine DiLeone, University of Connecticut

The CLN Nurse Leadership Award

Awarded to a nurse who demonstrates:

1. Outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to the mission of CLN
2. Is recognized as a creative leader who has made a positive difference in the direction of the league
3. Serves as a role model and mentor for future league leaders
   
4. Has inspired others to become actively engaged in accomplishing the mission of the constituent league

Previous award winners

​2013 - Linda Perfetto, Connecticut Community Colleges Nursing Program
2014 - Lisa O’Connor, Quinnipiac University
2015 - Edith Ouellet, Three Rivers Community College
2016 – Connie Hotchkiss, Northwestern Connecticut Community College
2017 – Lisa Rebeschi, Southern Connecticut State University
2019 – Susan Westrick, Southern Connecticut State University
2021 - Audrey Beauvais, Fairfield University Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies

Nominations

Submit Nomination

The Ruth M. Olson Excellence in Nurse Education Award

Awarded to a nurse who demonstrates:

1. Knowledge of the discipline: examples may include: certified as a nurse educator or professional development educator, utilizes best practices and incorporates an evidence-based approach
2. A learner-centered teaching style: examples may include innovative, interactive, adaptable, nurturing styles
3. Commitment to teaching: dedication to the profession (member of professional organizations CLN, NLN, NISOD etc.), sharing expertise via presentations, publications, committee membership/chairs
4. Success in inspiring students: past and present to pursue additional degrees/continuing education/ become active in local and state nursing organizations
   
5. Earned the respect of students and colleagues: peer awards, mentoring of new faculty, regarded as an "expert", and advances the profession & quality of nursing education.

Previous award winners

2011- Leona Konieczny, Professor of Nursing at Capital Community College
2012 - Pam Walker, Goodwin College
2013 - Audrey Beauvais, Sacred Heart University
2014 -Laura Brown-Yaworsky, Naugatuck Valley Community College
2015– Dawn Bunting, Capital Community College
2016 – Denise Anderson, Hospital for Special Care
2017 – Monica Ordway, Yale School of Nursing
2019 – Kerry Milner, Sacred Heart University
2021 - Kathryn Phillips, Fairfield University Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies

Nominations

Submit Nomination