Montana State nursing dean receives award from American Associate of Nurse Practitioners

BOZEMAN - Montana State University's Dean of Nursing Sarah Shannon has received the State Advocate Award from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

This award is given annually to one individual from each state who serves as a role model in the health care industry and demonstrates excellence in alignment with the mission and goals of AANP in the areas of practice, education, advocacy, research or leadership.

Shannon began in her position as dean of the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing in July 2017. Her research focuses on improving communication between health care teams, patients and their families around ethically challenging issues.

Marg Hammersla, assistant professor in the nursing college, nominated Shannon for the award because of her commitment to improving health for all Montanans and recognizing the critical role of nurse practitioners and midwives, particularly in rural communities.

"Dean Shannon has worked tirelessly to create and expand educational and practice opportunities for nurses who want to become nurse practitioners or midwives," Hammersla said. "I can't think of anyone more deserving."

AANP created the State Advocate Award in 1993 to recognize the efforts of individuals who have made a significant contribution to increasing awareness and recognition of nurse practitioners. Past recipients include physicians, legislators and educators. To learn more about the award, visit https://www.aanp.org/about/about-the-american-association-of-nurse-practitioners-aanp/your-aanp-region/state-award.

According to AANP, Shannon's contributions include significantly expanding MSU's enrollment of nurse practitioners earning their Doctor of Nursing Practice degree; expanding partnerships with clinical agencies to support nurse practitioner education in Montana; addressing in public talks the extensive data supporting nurse practitioner practice and the positive impact of nurse practitioners on the health of rural communities; and working with stakeholder groups across the state to advocate for using nurse practitioners in health care systems.

"It was a tremendous honor to receive this award. While I am not a nurse practitioner myself, I feel passionate about the essential role NPs play in the health of all communities, especially rural, frontier and tribal," Shannon said. "The health needs of our state seem overwhelming at times, but nurse practitioners are - and will continue to be - part of the solution. Montana truly benefits from the strong nurse practitioner program offered at Montana State University."