FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/February 5, 1996

CONTACT: Anita Baumann [202/651-7048]

Nationwide Search Is Launched to Find Nurse Heroes

American Nurses Association and American Red Cross to Honor Acts of Valor

WASHINGTON, DC -- Natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other tragedies often trigger selfless acts of heroism by professionals and others. Throughout American history, nurses, widely regarded for their compassion and professional commitment, have always responded during times of need. This year, the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Red Cross are conducting a nationwide search to recognize "nurse heroes" and their acts of valor.

"The everyday heroism of nurses is often an expectation and so goes unrecognized and unrewarded. However, when nurses go above and beyond the call of duty to save, or attempt to save, a life, their actions warrant recognition and celebration by all," said Cynthia W. Vlasich, RN, Chief Nurse, American Red Cross.

"We are proud and honored to join hands with the American Red Cross in saluting these unsung heroes," said ANA President Virginia Trotter Betts, JD, MSN, RN.

ANA and the American Red Cross are calling on the public to help identify and nominate nurse heroes. In addition, the groups will publicize the search widely through their state and local networks.

The nurses will be honored at a special ceremony to recognize their devotion to the nursing profession and their acts of heroism. The event will take place at the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington DC, on National RN Recognition Day, May 6, 1996, as a kick-off to National Nurses Week, which occurs May 6-12, every year.

Nominees must meet the following criteria:

• The nominee must have saved a life, or attempted to save a life, under adverse conditions.
• The nominee must have been currently licensed as an RN or LPN in any state or territory under the jurisdiction of the United States at the time of the incident.
• The event must have occurred away from the nurse's typical worksite and cannot be perceived as part of their defined work duties.
• The event upon which the nomination is based must have occurred between January 1, 1995 and March 15, 1996.
• Two letters of endorsement and validations must be included with the nomination, and must include contact information for the person(s) signing the letters.

Please consider the following information with respect to the nomination process:

• A nominee is welcome to self-nominate or be nominated by others.
• Nurses of all preparatory backgrounds are invited to be nominated.
• Copies of any media articles about the heroic event are welcome to be included in the nomination packet.

All nominations must be received no later than March 15, 1996 at the address below. Nominations received after that date will not be considered. For questions, please call Kim Smith, American Nurses Association, at 202-651-7027.

Kim Smith, Communications Department
American Nurses Association
600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Suite 100 West
Washington, DC 20024-2571

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