Honor recognizes commitment to and impact on field of neonatal nursing
The National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) awards its Lifetime Achievement in Neonatal Nursing Award to Rita H. Pickler, PhD, RN, FAAN, FloAnn Sours Easton Endowed Professor of Child and Adolescent Health and director of the PhD program at The Ohio State University College of Nursing.
NANN describes the honor as recognizing “an individual’s longstanding commitment to and profound impact on the field of neonatal nursing.” The award commemorates Pickler’s long-time service in practice, research and mentorship, especially related to her standing as an internationally-recognized senior scientist in NICU research and practice. NANN produced a video highlighting all of its 2022 honorees, which discusses how Pickler has been “studying the care of preterm infants since 1980 and preterm infant feeding care since 1990.”
“I am honored to receive this award and grateful for the many colleagues who have collaborated with me on this work done on behalf of children and families,” Pickler said. “Families with preterm babies need and deserve all of the support that nursing science can muster. I am proud of the work that we have done to advance both the study and practice that help these families and children achieve best outcomes.”
“Dr. Pickler is an innovative leader and distinguished scholar in her field,” said Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, vice president for health promotion, university chief wellness officer and dean of the College of Nursing. “Rita epitomizes the pursuit of science to dream, discover and deliver a healthier world and brighter future for moms and their infants. She so deserves this prestigious honor recognizing her service and impact.”
Pickler received the award during NANN’s annual conference in Las Vegas earlier this month.
