Nancy Richards
December 2024
Nancy
Richards
,
MSN, RN, APRN-CNS, CCRN, CCNS
Transplant Administration
The University of Kansas Health System
Kansas City
,
KS
United States
Her integrity, professionalism, and passion for nursing, particularly in the LVAD space, have inspired countless others to pursue excellence in their own practice. She is a guiding light for those who aspire to make a meaningful impact in the field of nursing.
It is with immense pride and admiration that I nominate Nancy Richards MSN, RN, APRN-CNS, CCRN, CCNS for the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award and the recognition as a transformational leader in nursing. With a career spanning over 25 years, much of which has been dedicated to The University of Kansas Health System, Nancy has not only exemplified the highest standards of nursing practice but has also left an indelible mark on the field through her pioneering work, educational contributions, and unwavering commitment to patient care.
Nine years ago, Nancy embarked on a visionary journey by initiating the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) program at our health system. This program has since grown into a cornerstone of our cardiovascular care, saving countless lives, and positioning our institution as a leader in this highly specialized area. Her clinical expertise, combined with her ability to translate complex medical concepts into actionable care plans, has set a gold standard in patient outcomes.
Beyond her clinical accomplishments, Nancy has been a beacon of professional nursing, continually promoting the image of nursing as a vital and respected vocation. Her dedication to the profession is evident not just in the excellence of care she provides but, in the respect, and admiration she commands from her peers, patients, and the broader medical community.
Nancy has always been a champion of lifelong learning, not just for herself but for all those she works with. She has actively engaged in the professional development of her colleagues, mentoring new nurses, providing educational sessions, and fostering an environment where continuous improvement is encouraged and celebrated. Her involvement in research and her contributions to poster and podium presentations at national and international conferences are a testament to her commitment to advancing the field of nursing. Through these activities, she has ensured that our health system remains at the forefront of medical innovation and best practices.
In every sense, Nancy embodies the role of a nurse advocate. Her dedication to improving patient care goes beyond the bedside; she has tirelessly advocated for policies and practices that enhance the patient experience, ensuring that our health system delivers care that is not only clinically excellent but also compassionate and patient-centered. Her ability to balance the demands of clinical practice with the broader goals of healthcare advocacy is nothing short of inspirational.
As a role model, Nancy has set an example for nurses at all stages of their careers. Her integrity, professionalism, and passion for nursing, particularly in the LVAD space, have inspired countless others to pursue excellence in their own practice. She is a guiding light for those who aspire to make a meaningful impact in the field of nursing.
The broader nursing community recognizes Nancy as a transformational leader—a nurse who not only excels in her own practice but also elevates the practice of those around her. Her influence extends far beyond the walls of our health system; through her research, presentations, and leadership, she has contributed to the advancement of nursing on a national and even global scale. Her work in establishing the LVAD program is just one example of how she has transformed patient care and nursing practice, and her legacy will continue to shape the future of nursing for years to come.
Nancy has been an invaluable mentor to me throughout my journey in research. Her guidance was instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of the research process, from the initial stages of establishing an IRB contract to conducting research that will ultimately guide evidence-based practice. Nancy's deep knowledge and experience in research were crucial in ensuring that each step was meticulously planned and executed, always with the highest standards of rigor and ethical consideration.
Beyond her technical expertise, Nancy has also been a significant motivational factor in my pursuit of excellence within my current role. Her unwavering support and encouragement have inspired me to continually strive for the highest levels of professionalism and achievement. Nancy's belief in my potential has fueled my determination to contribute meaningfully to the field of nursing and to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
With over 25 years as a nurse, Nancy has made an extraordinary impact on The University of Kansas Health System and the nursing profession as a whole. Her distinguished career, commitment to professional development, advocacy for patient care, and recognition as a transformational leader make her an outstanding candidate for this honor. It is difficult to overstate the value she has brought to our health system and the field of nursing, and it is with the utmost respect and gratitude that I nominate her for this well-deserved recognition.
Nine years ago, Nancy embarked on a visionary journey by initiating the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) program at our health system. This program has since grown into a cornerstone of our cardiovascular care, saving countless lives, and positioning our institution as a leader in this highly specialized area. Her clinical expertise, combined with her ability to translate complex medical concepts into actionable care plans, has set a gold standard in patient outcomes.
Beyond her clinical accomplishments, Nancy has been a beacon of professional nursing, continually promoting the image of nursing as a vital and respected vocation. Her dedication to the profession is evident not just in the excellence of care she provides but, in the respect, and admiration she commands from her peers, patients, and the broader medical community.
Nancy has always been a champion of lifelong learning, not just for herself but for all those she works with. She has actively engaged in the professional development of her colleagues, mentoring new nurses, providing educational sessions, and fostering an environment where continuous improvement is encouraged and celebrated. Her involvement in research and her contributions to poster and podium presentations at national and international conferences are a testament to her commitment to advancing the field of nursing. Through these activities, she has ensured that our health system remains at the forefront of medical innovation and best practices.
In every sense, Nancy embodies the role of a nurse advocate. Her dedication to improving patient care goes beyond the bedside; she has tirelessly advocated for policies and practices that enhance the patient experience, ensuring that our health system delivers care that is not only clinically excellent but also compassionate and patient-centered. Her ability to balance the demands of clinical practice with the broader goals of healthcare advocacy is nothing short of inspirational.
As a role model, Nancy has set an example for nurses at all stages of their careers. Her integrity, professionalism, and passion for nursing, particularly in the LVAD space, have inspired countless others to pursue excellence in their own practice. She is a guiding light for those who aspire to make a meaningful impact in the field of nursing.
The broader nursing community recognizes Nancy as a transformational leader—a nurse who not only excels in her own practice but also elevates the practice of those around her. Her influence extends far beyond the walls of our health system; through her research, presentations, and leadership, she has contributed to the advancement of nursing on a national and even global scale. Her work in establishing the LVAD program is just one example of how she has transformed patient care and nursing practice, and her legacy will continue to shape the future of nursing for years to come.
Nancy has been an invaluable mentor to me throughout my journey in research. Her guidance was instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of the research process, from the initial stages of establishing an IRB contract to conducting research that will ultimately guide evidence-based practice. Nancy's deep knowledge and experience in research were crucial in ensuring that each step was meticulously planned and executed, always with the highest standards of rigor and ethical consideration.
Beyond her technical expertise, Nancy has also been a significant motivational factor in my pursuit of excellence within my current role. Her unwavering support and encouragement have inspired me to continually strive for the highest levels of professionalism and achievement. Nancy's belief in my potential has fueled my determination to contribute meaningfully to the field of nursing and to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
With over 25 years as a nurse, Nancy has made an extraordinary impact on The University of Kansas Health System and the nursing profession as a whole. Her distinguished career, commitment to professional development, advocacy for patient care, and recognition as a transformational leader make her an outstanding candidate for this honor. It is difficult to overstate the value she has brought to our health system and the field of nursing, and it is with the utmost respect and gratitude that I nominate her for this well-deserved recognition.