College of Nursing Associate Dean Wins American Nurses Association Award

Karen Bankston, PhD, associate dean for clinical practice, partnership and community engagement for the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing, has been recognized by the American Nurses Association (ANA) as a recipient of one of its 2016 National Awards. Bankston received the Mary Mahoney Award, which recognizes significant contributions by an individual nurse or a group of nurses to integration within the nursing profession.

"The American Nurses Association believes it is important to honor the unwavering commitment of nurses who are transforming health care," said ANA President Pamela F. Cipriano, PhD, RN. "We are honored to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of these nurses, who are exemplary leaders and advocates, and whose contributions have advanced nursing and demonstrated the impact of ANA in improving health care for all."

The award recipients were nominated by constituent and state nurses associations, ANA's organizational affiliates and individual members and selected by ANA's Board of Directors. These nine highly accomplished registered nurse leaders are being honored for their outstanding service to the profession in categories ranging from public health to patient advocacy to legislative successes.

Mary Mahoney graduated from the Training School of Nurses, New England Hospital for Women and Children in 1879. She became the first African-American nurse to work professionally in the U.S. and co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, which merged into the ANA in 1951 and also fought for women's equality and minority rights.

"When I think about this award and reflect on what Mary represented, I look at where my career has taken me and see so many similarities," Bankston says. "As a nurse and a social activist, I never planned to do the things that I have done. I do them because of the desire to be excellent, to serve others and with the understanding that I am always representing more than myself. That has propelled me and keeps me motivated to this day. Everyone is not given the privilege of having their vocation and avocation aligned, so I am really blessed."

A ceremony and reception to honor the 11 award recipients will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at the Grand Hyatt Washington, D.C., prior to ANA's Membership Assembly.