Nursing leaders maintain focus despite changing healthcare environment

Nurses. In an ever-changing healthcare environment, they are one of the few constants. With more direct patient interaction than nearly anyone else, they carry a tremendous burden. As providers change their payment and care delivery models to achieve better outcomes at lower costs, nurses are on the front line of that implementation. It's their work that ensures patients not only get high quality, but compassionate care.

For the third consecutive year, Modern Healthcare is proud to announce the winners of our Excellence in Nursing Awards. In a continuing effort to improve the program, Modern Healthcare narrowed the number of awards this year, deciding to focus more directly on nurse leadership. We are again pleased to partner with the Lillian Carter Center for Global Health & Social Responsibility at Emory University School of Nursing in this endeavor. This year's winner of the Lillian Carter Exemplary Acts in Nursing Award has spent a lifetime helping patients with Down syndrome lead healthy, active and, importantly, independent lives. Similarly, the winner of the Diversity in Nursing Award has worked to empower people in vulnerable communities.

And as you'll read, our Rising Stars in Nursing honorees are making huge differences not just for patients, but the profession. Although they are still relatively early in their careers, our Rising Stars already serve as mentors and role models for their peers.

A special thanks to our judges who had the difficult task of selecting this year's winners.

—Matthew Weinstock, Managing Editor