Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare

Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare was established as a public service by the University of Kansas School of Nursing in 1989. It is an annual awards program that recognizes the contributions of 10 outstanding registered nurses to their patients, communities and profession. Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare is designed to promote the image of nursing in the community and to educate the public about the vital role that nurses play in health care today.

The KU School of Nursing works with the community, health care professionals and the news media to distribute nomination forms across the state of Kansas and throughout the metropolitan Kansas City area. Each year, the School of Nursing receives an average of 700 nominations from registered nurses' patients, family members, colleagues, employers, and friends.

A selection committee composed of civic, health care, business leaders and previous winners reviews the nominations and selects the 10 winners, who are honored during a gala banquet. In the past nine years there have been more than 4,600 nominees and 100 winners. Among them have been school nurses, oncology nurses, Red Cross volunteers, public health nurses, advanced practice nurses and founders of programs that serve patients and their families.

Since its inception, Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare has generated significant support of the nursing profession among the civic and business communities of Kansas and Kansas City. Representatives from corporations, health care associations, hospitals and professional organizations attend the banquet to honor the nominees and award winners.

Moreover, Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare has provided an excellent vehicle by which nursing can be promoted to the public. Not only must people think about the role of nurses as they write their nominations, but the publicity generated by the 10 winners helps people understand the dedication and the level of care that nurses provide in all avenues of health care. Significant, positive media attention is drawn to the profession as a result of this program.

Persons interested in learning more about Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare Awards, can call the program's hotline: 1(800) 308-0890 or (913) 588-1616 or e-mail kziblut@kumc.edu.