American Nephrology Nurses' Association Honors Beth Ulrich For Outstanding Service

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Also Included In: Urology / Nephrology
Article Date: 29 May 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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The American Nephrology Nurses' Association (ANNA) has awarded Beth Ulrich, EdD, RN, FACHE, FAAN, with the association's highest honor, the Outstanding Contribution to ANNA Award. Ulrich, senior vice president, Professional & Consulting Services, Gannett Healthcare Group, and editor, Nephrology Nursing Journal, lives and works in Houston, TX.

Ulrich received her award, which included a lifetime ANNA membership, at the Nephrology Nurse Day Luncheon on April 29, during ANNA's 39th National Symposium in Philadelphia, PA.

A past president of ANNA, Ulrich was recognized for her pioneering efforts to promote and sustain nephrology nursing as well as her passion for mentoring new authors and leaders. During her term as president, Ulrich helped ANNA evolve from the American Association of Nephrology Nurses and Technicians (AANNT) into the vital professional nursing organization it is today. She later played a key role in getting nephrology nursing recognized as a specialty by the American Nurses Association.

Ulrich is widely published on clinical nursing issues as well as broad issues within nursing and health care. Her research includes such topics as the work environment, violence in the workplace, generational differences in nursing, leadership and management. As a co-investigator on national nursing workforce studies, Ulrich's research is often cited in peer-reviewed nursing specialty publications and trade publications. A strong believer in research and writing, Ulrich has established a solid foundation for professional nephrology nursing research.

Ulrich has long been an advocate for protecting the new graduate nurse as well as supporting the practice environment of seasoned nurses. Her work as an investigator has evolved into interventional achievements promoting safe working conditions for nurses throughout the country.

In 2003, Ulrich led the ANNA Invitational Summit to address the nephrology nursing shortage, bringing together leaders from the nephrology community, dialysis organizations, public policy and ANNA to discuss the nephrology nursing shortage and identify strategies to recruit and retain qualified nurses in the specialty.

As editor of Nephrology Nursing Journal (NNJ), ANNA's official journal, Ulrich mentors novice and experienced authors to explore new ideas and research. This highly acclaimed nursing leader makes mentoring a priority and each year holds a session at ANNA's Symposium designed to stimulate ideas and introduce new writers to members of the NNJ editorial board.

Ulrich is senior vice president, Professional & Consulting Services, for Gannett Healthcare Group, a multi-media company which includes Nursing Spectrum, NurseWeek, Nurse.com. She has extensive senior executive experience, having served in COO and senior vice president positions in both hospitals and large health care systems.

In recognition of her contributions to nursing, Ulrich has received many prestigious awards. She was named "Outstanding Nursing Alumnus" of the Medical University of South Carolina and "Distinguished Alumna" of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Nursing. Ulrich is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN).

"Beth has been instrumental in advancing nephrology nursing and ANNA, and her work exemplifies her passion for our specialty and for our nurses." said ANNA President Sue Cary, MN, APRN, NP, CNN. "This award shows our appreciation for her dedication to the association and the nephrology community."

American Nephrology Nurses' Association

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