IntNSA Awards Grants to Deserving Scholars

IntNSA Awards Grants to Deserving Scholars

IntNSA Awards Grants to Deserving Scholars

The International Nurses Society on Addictions has presented research grants to two individuals who have pursued and expanded knowledge in the realm of addictions nursing.

In the area of Research and the Arts: Andrea Kovalesky, PhD, RN, CARN, University of Washington, Bothell, for "The Use of the Arts in Recovery from Addiction."

In the area of Research and the Science of Nursing: Professor Donna Zucker, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, for "Labyrinth Walking to Enhance Wellness in Incarcerated Substance Users."

Congratulations to this year's winners!

The International Nurses Society on Addictions conferred awards to several members in recognition of their achievements and contributions to the field of addictions nursing. Continue reading to learn about these awards and their recipients.

The President's Award acknowledges the outstanding contributions of an individual in addictions. The recipient is selected at the discretion of the IntNSA president.

This year’s Presidents Award goes to an individual who has made many contributions to this organization, the field of addiction and to the discipline of nursing.  She is a Past President, having served from 1992 to 1996, contributor and author for multiple publications of this society, including the Scope and Standards of Addiction Nursing, and a newly retired member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Addiction Nursing.  Her educational preparation includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a Master of Nursing in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Pittsburgh.

In addition to her work as a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist, this individual has spent many years of her career in an educator role, including both teaching and administrative responsibilities. For many years she served as a faculty member of the University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing.  She is currently the Director of Accelerated Health Programs, which include the RN-BSN, the MSN program with concentrations in nursing administration and nursing education, the MSN/MBA program, the post-Master’s Certificate in Geriatric Nursing, the post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program for Waynesburg University.

As a part of her professional role, she is active in professional associations, including Sigma Theta Tau International, the American Nurses Association, the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, the American Organization of Nurse Executives, the Southwest Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders, the National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals and the American College of Heathcare Executives. At the present time, she serves on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association.
The recipient of the 2008 Presidents Award is Dr. Lynette Jack!

The Education Award is given to a nominee who must fulfill one or more of the following: known as an exemplary teacher who brings attention to addictions issues by influencing students, health professionals, legislators, and/or the public; develops an innovative methodology, curriculum, or program for education in addictions; and/or stimulates knowledge development, research, and/or theory development in addictions nursing through teaching.

This year’s Education Award winner is Kathryn Farwell, PhD, RN, CARN-AP, a Professor of Nursing at Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

The Administration/Management Award is given to a nominee who must fulfill one or more of the following: initiates the development and implementation of innovative programs for addictions; participates in the administration of a program that results in improved care for the person who has an addiction; implements standards of addictions nursing practice that result in improved staff development and staff satisfaction; demonstrates success as a nursing leader, with an ability to interpret nursing roles and functions in the treatment of addictions.

This year’s Administration/Management Award winner is Frederick Osborne, MS, APRN-BC, NPP, CARN, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Canandaigua, New York.

The Research/Theory Award is given to a nominee who must fulfill one or more of the following: introduces a significant new theory and/or research-supported approach to addictions; conducts exemplary research and/or theory development in addictions and communicates findings; and/or mentors others in the research and/or theory development process.

This year’s Research/Theory Award winner is Merry A. Armstrong, DNSc, MS, ARNP, an Associate Professor at Washington State University’s Intercollegiate College of Nursing in Spokane, Washington.

The Clinical/Direct Services Award is given to a nominee who must fulfill the following: demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the specialty of addiction; enhances the breadth and depth of addictions nursing practice; and enhances the image of addictions nursing by making contributions in the service of quality care.

This year’s first Clinical/Direct Services Award winner is Carolyn Baird, MBA, MEd, RNC, CARN-AP, CCDP-Diplomate, nurse therapist in private practice with JV Isaly Counseling Associates and a Lecturer in Nursing and DNP student at Waynesburg University.

This year’s second Clinical/Direct Services Award winner is James S. Srp, MSN, CNS, Director of Clinical Services of the Addiction Recovery Center at University Hospital of Cleveland.

The Impaired Practice/Peer Assistance Award is given to a nominee who must be employed or a volunteer/advocate in the area of impaired practice/peer assistance for nurses and must fulfill one or more of the following: initiates and/or actively participates in local, state, regional, national, or international impaired practice/peer assistance legislation; participates in the development and implementation of prevention and/or intervention programs for impaired practice/peer assistance.

This year’s Impaired Practice/Peer Assistance Award winner is Donna Lindsey, RN, C, CAC III, CARN, CEAP.

The purpose of the IntNSA Spirit Award is to recognize an individual or organization who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of addictions. The general criteria note that the nominee is not a member of IntNSA or a nurse, but a visionary. The nominee must fulfill one or more of the following: has demonstrated a commitment to individuals and families suffering from the disease of addiction and made an outstanding contribution to assist in the fight against this disease; has been recognized by others for efforts to raise awareness, increase opportunities for education/or the quality of education; has made outstanding contributions toward advocacy, research, education or collaboration; and/or has supported funding, legislation, treatment, prevention or public awareness efforts.

This year’s IntNSA Spirit Award winner is Elizabeth S. Cohen, MPH, a medical correspondent for CNN's health and medical unit.

The Community Service/Advocacy Award is given to a nominee who must fulfill one or more of the following: develops and implements an innovative prevention or intervention non-profit program in addictions as a volunteer in the community; and/or provides outstanding service as a volunteer to an existing non-profit organization that has a focused interest in prevention or intervention in addictions.

This year’s Community Service/Advocacy Award winner is Katherine Fornili, MPH, RN, CARN, FCH, Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Health at the University of Maryland School of Nursing.