Kansas City, Missouri, October 27, 2011 —

March of Dimes Awards Nurses for Outstanding Work - 37 finalists chosen from over 200 nominations

October 27, 2011 – This Friday, October 28, at 7:00 p.m., the March of Dimes will present the Inaugural Future of Nursing Awards at the Downtown Marriott, Muehlebach Tower. The event will recognize nurses in a multitude of specialties whose strength, courage and perseverance has gone above and beyond in order to advance the nursing profession. The March of Dimes has a rich history of partnering with the healthcare industry from the successful eradication of Polio, to searching for the root causes of premature birth. It’s that spirit that inspires the Future of Nursing Awards.

“With 3 million strong, nurses are our caregivers and advocates, our sounding boards, oftentimes our translators, and always a trusted friend at those times in our lives when we are most vulnerable”, said Dr. Karen Cox, Executive Vice President and Co-COO of Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, and Future of Nursing Event Chairman. “As a nurse, I know first hand that we are required to be an expert in all matters of health and health care, all the while being the heart and soul of patient and family care.”

A call for nominations was released in July of this year garnering response from over 200 nurse applicants. In mid-September, finalists were chosen through a blind judging system by a nominating committee comprised of nursing professionals representing the large majority of hospitals, health systems and nursing schools in Kansas City.

The 37 finalists being recognized represent Saint Luke’s Health System, Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, HealthCare USA, North Kansas City Hospital, Providence Medical Center, Truman Medical Center, KU Medical Center, Johnson County Health Department, Research Medical Center, and Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

Winners in the 13 categories will be announced during the black-tie optional, awards gala. Proceeds from the Future of Nursing Awards Gala will go to the March of Dimes Foundation.

The Future of Nursing Awards is sponsored by Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Cerner, Saint Luke’s Hospital, North Kansas City Hospital, Shawnee Mission Medical Center and HCA Midwest Health System.

Related Link:
www.modfutureofnursing.com

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nascersano.org.

###