Award presented at national conference recognizes achievements in leadership, both in the classroom and in communities
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) honored Margaret Graham, PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, vice dean of The Ohio State University College of Nursing, with its 2019 Outstanding Nurse Practitioner Educator Award at NONPF’s annual conference in Atlanta on Saturday.
The award recognizes Graham’s contributions to the advancement of nurse practitioner education in areas including innovative curriculum development, teaching ability, educational policy development and the development of creative teaching techniques and strategies.
Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk, PhD, RN, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, university chief wellness officer, vice president for health promotion and dean of the College of Nursing, nominated Graham for this award. In her nomination, Melnyk highlighted Graham’s “unparalleled commitment to producing top-quality RNs and APRNs” and her legacy of creating innovative ways to provide primary care, especially to vulnerable and diverse populations.
“Dr. Graham’s impact on education and clinical practice is far reaching, influencing policy development, the education of generations of students, and advancement of nurse-led team-based practice,” Melnyk said. “She is a visionary leader who inspires and challenges our students, faculty and even our staff to think innovatively about how nursing can and should be at the forefront of healthcare reform in the United States.”
“I am so honored to receive this recognition, but our work is made possible by students and faculty who are passionate about transforming health and transforming lives,” Graham said. “My greatest reward is in seeing our team prepare the next generations of nursing leaders to provide care in evidence-based ways to patients in all walks of life.”
Among her other accomplishments, Graham has received funding for three separate HRSA grants since 2012. One of these grants created a nurse-led team-based clinic at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center East Hospital. Through her leadership, individuals with complex conditions receive primary care from a team of health professionals in one setting, providing an opportunity for coordinated care including nursing, pharmacy, mental health and nutrition. The team-based approach led by nurse practitioners has received high satisfaction ratings and provided economic benefits to the patients and to Ohio State through reductions in emergency room visits, which previously served as the primary health care source for the same patients.
