Individual Awards | Organizational Awards | Scholarships
About BCEN’s Awards Program
Every year, BCEN shines a national spotlight on exemplary nurses and organizations who are committed to specialty certification and excellence in emergency nursing and who promote and advance the value of board certification.
- BCEN’s Distinguished Awards recognize one nurse exemplifying excellence in each of the following emergency nursing specialties: emergency (CEN®), pediatric emergency (CPEN®), flight (CFRN®), critical care ground transport (CTRN®), and trauma (TCRN®). Nominations are now closed for the 2024 calendar year. Add to calendar
- BCEN’s National Certification Champion Award recognizes organizations in three categories: Small Healthcare Organization, Large Healthcare Organization and Healthcare System. Nominations open June 1, 2024. Add to calendar
Help us recognize excellence, achievement and impact in emergency nursing certification. Nominate a colleague, nominate yourself, or nominate your workplace!
Eligibility requirements, judging criteria, nomination forms and deadlines, award dates, and previous winners are provided below. BCEN plans to introduce the Distinguished CBRN (Certified Burn Registered Nurse) Award in 2026.
Distinguished Awards
BCEN’s Distinguished Awards recognize board certified emergency nurses who exemplify excellence in their emergency nursing specialty practice and who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advocating for, supporting and promoting board certification for emergency nurses. Nominations are now closed for the 2024 calendar year. Add to Calendar
Please nominate an individual who demonstrates:
- Excellence in pursuing advanced knowledge with one of BCEN’s certifications
- Achievement in promoting and advocating for BCEN emergency nursing certification
- Impact of certification on the nursing profession and patient outcomes
Submit a Nomination
Eligibility Requirements
Any nurse holding a current CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse), CFRN (Certified Flight Registered Nurse), CPEN (Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse), CTRN (Certified Transport Registered Nurse) or TCRN (Trauma Certified Registered Nurse) certification is eligible to be nominated or nominate themselves.*
To be eligible for a Distinguished Award, nominees must:
- Hold the specific BCEN certification that is being honored
- Be currently practicing in that specialty emergency nursing area
*Individuals serving on BCEN’s board of directors or exam construction review committees (ECRCs), or who are engaged in revenue-generating businesses or activities associated with any BCEN certification program, product or service (including providers of certification prep materials and/or review courses), are not eligible.
BCEN plans to introduce the Distinguished CBRN (Certified Burn Registered Nurse) Award in 2026.
Nomination submission requirements:
You will be asked to provide the following information about your nominee:
-
- Their name, email address, title and affiliation/place of employment
- The certification award for which they’re being nominated (CEN, CFRN, CPEN, CTRN or TCRN)
- How you believe they exemplify the clinical excellence and professionalism of a BCEN-certified nurse in this specialty
Following your submission, nominees will be asked to submit the following:
-
- At least 3 ways you have succeeded in advocating for certification and supporting other nurses to earn and maintain board certification in this specialty.
- A current CV
- A current headshot
- Up to 3 additional supporting items may be uploaded, but are not required.
Submit a Nomination
Distinguished CEN Award
- Honors a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
-
2023 Winner
Calee Muldrow
BSN, RN, CEN Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, TXAbout Calee
At Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Calee is a fierce advocate for nurses and her patients. She encourages all nurses to pursue their CEN because she believes that certification increases the confidence, skill and knowledge of emergency nurses delivering care. Due to her advocacy, she has increased the certification rates for the ED to 47% over the past two years, including three new graduate nurses she has onboarded and mentored.
After earning her CEN 2.5 years into her nursing career, Calee takes pride in knowing that she plays a part in challenging her colleagues to earn a certification—not only for themselves but also to improve their overall knowledge and the care they provide their patients every day. She believes that if a nurse continues to challenge themselves and further their education, this can significantly reduce the risk of burnout. Calee believes that recognition and positive reinforcement are the keys to motivating others, and she acts on this belief in spades.
Read more about Calee in our Meet the Winner series.
-
Previous Winners
2022
Nicholas Jazdzewski, BSN, RN, CENFroedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, WI2021
Heidi Cote, BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN
Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME2020
Jude Lark, BSN, RN, CEN, CCRN
Overlook Medical Center, Summit, NJ2019
Heather Linsalata, BSN, RN, CEN
University Hospital, Newark, NJ2018
Wilmar Flores, BSN, RN, CEN
La Jolla Emergency Department, University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Health Systems, La Jolla, CA2017
Kathy Ingersoll, BSN, RN, CEN
Harford Memorial Hospital, Havre de Grace, MD2016
Kara Bauman, MN, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN
Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Falls Church, VA2015
Diane Branson, RN, CEN, OR-SANE-A
Salem Hospital, Albany, OR
Distinguished CPEN Award
- Honors a Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN).
-
2023 Winner
Dawn Tasche
BSN, RN, CPEN Aurora Health Care in Sheboygan County, Sheboygan, WIAbout Dawn
The recognized “pediatric champion” in her emergency department, Dawn’s leadership, collaboration and advocacy for helping nurses develop advanced pediatric skills has increased the number of CPENs in her ED and paved the way for Aurora Health Care in Sheboygan County to be recognized for emergency pediatric care by the Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services for Children’s Pediatric Emergency Department. In all her roles—skilled ED nurse, mentor, preceptor and leader—she exhibits passion, resiliency and compassion.
Dawn believes it’s important to get more nurses to be certified in pediatric emergency nursing to help build confidence in themselves when taking care of pediatric patients. CPEN certification has helped her and her colleagues build knowledge about the unique needs of pediatric patients and how each development stage of life impacts their ability to deliver the best possible emergency care to pediatric patients and their families. As Dawn says: “It is my personality to encourage others to keep striving in anything they do, not just in nursing but in life. Knowledge truly is power.”
Read more about Dawn in our Meet the Winner series.
-
Previous Winners
2022
Jessica Evins, BSN, RN, CPENin NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, New York, NY2020
Lisa Chambers, MSN, MPS, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN
CHOC Children’s Hospital, Orange, CA2019
Cara Szeglin, BSN, RN, CPEN
New York-Presbyterial Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, New York, NY2017
Jodi Cregger, RN, MICT, CEN, CFRN, CPEN
LifeTeam, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, KS2016
Brian Johnson, RN, CEN, CPEN
NorthBay Medical Center, Fairfield, CA2015
Kristen Cline, BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, SANE-A
Sanford AirMed, Sioux Falls, SD
Distinguished CFRN Award
- Award honors a Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN).
-
2023 Winner
Stacey Dock
MSN, RN, CFRN LifeFlight Eagle, Kansas City, MOAbout Stacey
A flight nurse since 1994, Stacey first earned her CFRN in 1995 while working for one of the very first U.S. civilian air medical programs. She believed then, and still believes now, that certification “shows yourself and others that you are knowledgeable and dedicated to your craft.” For 10 years, she was LifeFlight Eagle’s Clinical Services Manager, during which time she earned her MSN to better serve her program and crew. She recently went back to full-time flight nursing—which has always been a passion and purpose in her adult life—and where she’s mentoring a whole new generation of flight nurses.
In 2012, she spearheaded a policy that required CFRN certification for all LifeFlight Eagle transport nurses within 2 years of hire. She has developed and supported ongoing CE education and exam prep resources, even paying out of her own personal funds to support bases and staff pursuing certification and recertification. Today, LifeFlight Eagle provides those resources to all staff at no cost.
Read more about Stacey in our Meet the Winner series.
-
Previous Winners
2022
Abigail Harvey, BSN, RN, CFRN, NREMT-PLutheran Health Network, Fort Wayne, Indiana2021
Kevin Kissner, MSN, RN, CEN, CFRN
VCU Health & Virginia State Police Med-Flight I , Richmond, VA2020
Tonya Barnard, BSN, RN, CEN, CFRN, CPEN, CTRN, TCRN, CCRN, EMT-B
Pafford Air One, Orlando, FL2019
Carlos Tavarez, RN, CEN, CFRN, CTRN, TCRN, NREMT-P, FP-D, CCEMT-P, EMT-T, WEMT
Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, FL2018
Teresa Elder, MEd, BSN, RN, CFRN
Flight for LIfe Colorado, St. Anthony Hospital, Denver, CO2017
Bambi Pish-Derr, DNP, CFRN, CCRN
Angel MedFlight, Scottsdale, AZ2015
Mick McCallum, TNS, RN, CFRN, CCRN, EMT-P, FP-C, CMTE
Topeka, KS
Distinguished CTRN Award
- Award honors a Certified Transport Registered Nurse (CTRN).
-
2023 Winner
George Olschewski
BSN, RN, CFRN, CTRN, CEN, TCRN Hackensack University Medical Center Specialty Care Transport Unit, Hackensack, NJAbout George
A critical care transport and mobile intensive care nurse since 2004, George says he “truly arrived in the specialty once I earned the CTRN.” Based on his view that critical care transport is a high-risk procedure and also the most autonomous nursing field, he believes with that autonomy comes great responsibility.
As George says, “things can go sideways very quickly.” That’s why he pushes himself and his nurse, EMT and paramedic colleagues alike at Hackensack University Medical Center, a Level II Trauma Center, to learn and advance and achieve board certification.
Hackensack University Medical Center and its network are huge proponents of certification, and George is a big part of that impetus. Supporting nurses to be their best through certification, he helps set higher standards for his team and program so they can provide the best care possible as they transport the sickest of the sick. George is also pursuing a master’s degree in nursing administration and is involved in multiple professional associations where he helps develop continuing education content and updates CCT specialty professional standards.
Read more about George in our Meet the Winner series.
-
Previous Winners
2022
Mackenzie Alexander, BSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, CTRN, CPENHarris Health System, Houston, Texas2016
Kimberly Lacina, MSN, ARNP-C, CTRN, CEN, EMT-P
Sunstar Paramedics, Largo, FL
Distinguished TCRN Award
- Honors a Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN).
-
2023 Winner
Jordan Tyczka
MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN Inova Loudoun Hospital, Leesburg, VAAbout Jordan
Jordan exemplifies trauma nursing excellence while she advocates for and supports nurses practicing across the entire trauma continuum in many ways. When Jordan started at Inova Loudoun 5 years ago, the trauma program was brand new and there were 2 TCRNs—and Jordan was not yet TCRN certified. (And in fact, she didn’t pass on her first attempt.) Since then, over 80 nurses have earned their TCRN and another 50 intend to sit for the TCRN in 2023.
Her monthly TCRN exam prep zoom lectures are viewed by the 500+ nurses in her hospital as well as nurses in the other 4 Inova system hospitals. She also developed a “Trauma Escape Room” which educates team members and helps them retain what they learn during a jam-packed, exciting 90 minutes. Open to nurses on every unit, participants use their nursing knowledge to solve crossword puzzles, match clinical presentations with traumatic injuries, and navigate live simulated patient scenarios.
Read more about Jordan in our Meet the Winners series.
-
Previous Winners
2022
Shayna Stevens, BSN, RN, TCRNTexas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, Plano, TX
2021
Julie Donnelly, MSN, RN, TCRN
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA2020
Lt. Mariah Pruett, NC, BSN, RN, CEN, CFRN, CPEN, TCRN, CCRN
David Grant USAF Medical Center, Fairfield, CA2019
Travis Beebe-Woodard, BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN
University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT2018
June Guadalupe, MSN, BSN, RN, CEN, CCRN, CMC, CNRN, TCRN
R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD2017
Andrea Wright, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital Level I Trauma Center, Roanoke, VA
National Certification Champion Award
BCEN’s National Certification Champion Award recognizes health care facilities and health systems that:
- Exemplify excellence in supporting emergency RNs who pursue BCEN certifications
- Show achievement in designing and implementing effective and innovative practices and programs that encourage, support, and recognize emergency nursing specialty certification
- Demonstrate the impact of a board certified emergency nurse workforce on patient, nurse and organizational outcomes
Nominations open June 1, 2024. Add to Calendar
One national winner will be recognized in each of the following categories:
- Small Healthcare Organization: single hospital emergency department, trauma program or freestanding emergency center with less than 30,000 visits per year, or a single critical care ground transport and/or flight base
- Large Healthcare Organization: single hospital emergency department, trauma program or freestanding emergency center with more than 30,000 visits per year
- Healthcare System: a group or system of 2 or more hospital emergency departments, trauma programs, freestanding emergency centers, or critical care ground transport and/or flight bases
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the National Certification Champion Award, a facility or organization must:
- Currently employ BCEN-certified emergency, transport and/or trauma nurses
- Be actively engaged in supporting their nurses in obtaining and maintaining one or more of BCEN’s certifications
- Serve as a model for advancing board certification for the nursing profession
Nomination Requirements
In order to be considered, nominations must include the following:
- Completed nomination form
- Two (2) letters of reference from individuals with relevant professional positions or qualifications
Healthcare System
-
2023 Winner
RWJBarnabas Health Emergency Departments
Throughout New JerseyRWJBarnabas Health—whose 13 EDs and over 1,400 emergency nurses serve over 2 million patients per year—is extremely supportive of all nurses pursuing certification. That support has created a “CEN buzz” and buoyed the ED RN certification rate from 18% to nearly 25% in 12 months.
When ED RNs start work, the concept of BCEN certification is introduced as a goal. Free Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) review courses are offered to all EDs. Because the course was developed internally and ED Clinical Nurse Educators take turns teaching, no additional funding was required, and it promoted a collaborative effort across the health system. Discounted exam fees through BCEN Voucher purchases, advancement and leadership opportunities, mentorship and unconditional support are also keys.
Reinvigorating Emergency RNs Post-Pandemic: “We are finding that the staff are energized and excited about their accomplishments. There is an increased ED RN engagement in the RWJBH system.”
The focus on professional development is “leading the RWJBH ED RNs back to their love of and commitment to emergency nursing, and … this is great for our patients.”
The Bottom Line: “Certification is one of the keys to helping our nurses truly be the best that they can be.”
-
Previous Winners
2022
Centura Health
Centennial, CO2020
Life Link III
Minneapolis, MN2019
Northeast Georgia Health System
Gainesville, GA2018
UCHealth Emergency Care
Fort Collins, CO
Large Healthcare Organization
-
2023 Winner
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
Roanoke, VAAt Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, the BCEN certification rate among full-time staff within the ED, air medical transport program, and trauma-designated in-patient care areas is 29% and growing.
A Culture of Excellence: Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital supports nurses in achieving specialty certification through continuing education, a clinical advancement program, exam preparation classes, and coverage of expenses for travel, lodging and exam fees. Recognition includes bonuses for initial certification and renewals, unit-level celebrations, and system-wide intranet “WOW Wall” posts.
Homegrown Innovation: A home-grown, nurse-led TCRN Study Group was created to provide a safe space for nurses to learn more in-depth trauma care. The internally led, biweekly group covered a wide array of trauma topics over seven months, after which 14 nurses signed up to sit for the TCRN exam. As a result, there has been a 500% increase in TCRN certifications, with a 133% increase in certified nursing staff within the trauma PCU alone.
Sparking Systemic Success: Can an organized program that provides directed education to a specific group of nurses improve the success of those nurses in completing the certification journey? Yes, it can! And based on the success of the TCRN Study Group, leadership is supporting additional study groups to support certification across units.
Read our Meet the Winner interview with Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
-
Previous Winners
2022
Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital Emergency Center
Houston, TX2021
Yale New Haven Hospital
New Haven, CT2020
University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
Plattsburg, NY2019
Oak Hill Hospital
Brooksville, FL2018
Chilton Medical Center
Pompton Plains, NJ2017
Houston Methodist Hospital System
Houston, TX2016
Avera McKennan Hospital Emergency Department
Sioux Falls, SD2015
Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital EMTC
Indianapolis, IN
Small Healthcare Organization
-
2023 Winner
WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital
Ephrata, PAFor a small community hospital treating 29,000 patients annually, WellSpan Ephrata’s is making big strides in increasing the number of certified nurses—leading to improved patient outcomes, increased nurse retention, higher levels of accuracy, and an elevated commitment to ethics and safety.
Removing Financial Barriers: WellSpan Ephrata reimburses exam and recertification fees, provides free CEN review courses plus online CEs and review courses focused on the CEN, CFRN and TCRN, and offers flexible scheduling and paid time off for exam preparation and recertification.
Leadership Opportunities: Certified nurses lead in the ED as preceptors, triage nurses and charge nurses, modeling best practices and professionalism, and also training and orienting nursing students, new nurses and transferring nurses. They also provide informal and formal education to colleagues across the hospital.
Championing Patient and Community Awareness: WellSpan Ephrata promotes the value and benefits of certification to patients, families and the community. By identifying certified nurses on their badges, and celebrating their achievement in the hospital and on social media, patients regularly ask what being a certified nurse means. This gives nurses the opportunity to share how certification benefits the patient, the nurse, the hospital, and the community.
Read our Meet the Winner interview with WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital.
-
Previous Winners
2022
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Centennial Emergency Department
Frisco, TX2020
Childress Regional Medical Center
Childress, TX2019
Rush Foundation Hospital ED
Meridian, MS2018
USC Verdugo Hills Hospital
Glendale, CA2017
Bristol Hospital
Bristol, CT2016
Angel MedFlight
Scottsdale, AZ2015
IU Health Saxony Hospital Emergency Department
Fishers, IN
Scholarships
As part of our commitment to helping current and aspiring emergency, trauma, transport and burn nurses achieve all of their professional development goals, BCEN funds approximately 50 academic nursing scholarships each year.
Inclusive of BCEN’s 2024 scholarship contributions totaling $155,000, BCEN has donated over $1.5 million to fund academic scholarships since 2012.
BCEN proudly:
- Donates to established scholarship programs to fund undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral scholarships for BCEN-certified nurses
- Funds paramedic-to-BSN scholarships for paramedics committed to becoming BCEN-certified RNs
- Donates $10,000 to ASTNA’s bereavement fund
To apply for BCEN-funded academic scholarships, please visit our partner organizations’ websites here:
- Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
- Society of Trauma Nurses (STN)
- Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA)
- Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA)
Scholarship applications typically open early in the calendar year for ENA and STN. FNSNA applications open in September, and ASTNA applications typically open by November. **Please check each organization’s website for current year application deadlines and complete eligibility information.
Current Year Scholarship Contributions and Most Recent Awardees:
ENA Foundation Scholarship - $50,000
-
2023 Awardees
BCEN Doctoral Scholarship Recipients
- Ashley Mendonza, CEN, TCRN, Florida
- Lena Sutch, CEN, Maryland
- Rebecca VanStanton, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, Michigan
BCEN Master’s Scholarship Recipients
- Meghan Gamble, CEN, North Carolina
- Vaughn Kelly, CEN, Alaska
- Holly Polmateer, CEN, Michigan
- Christopher Rutland, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, Mississippi
- Laura Stasila, CEN, TCRN, Indiana
BCEN Undergraduate Scholarship Recipients
- Brandon Bistodeau, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, Minnesota
- William Hamlyn, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, Texas
Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) Scholarship - $35,000
-
2023 Awardees
BCEN Doctoral Scholarship Recipients
- Nicole Cook, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CEN, CCRN, TCRN, East Carolina University
- Shawn Moreau, MSN, TCRN, CEN, Chamberlain University
- Rebecca VanStanto, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, University of Michigan
- Haley Strebler, MA, BSN, RN, TCRN, St. Louis University
- Philip Prousnitze, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, CCRN, CPEN, CFRN, CTRN, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Nicole Bernard, MSN, APN-c, TCRN, Wilmington University
BCEN Graduate Scholarship Recipients
- Graycen Clark, BSN, RN, TCRN, CEN, CFRN, NREMT, East Tennessee State University
- Jamie Burg, RN, TCRN, CPEN, University of West Georgia
- Misty Colvard, BSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, University of Texas at Tyler
- Kristi Bonny, BSN, RN, TCRN, CEN, CPHQ, EMT-P, Grand Canyon University
- Colleen Wood, BSN, RN, CPN, CPEN, TCRN, St. Catherine University
- Casey Green, BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC, CTRN, CFRN, CEN, TCRN, CPEN, NRP, Wilmington University
BCEN Paramedic Scholarship Recipients
- Kelly Russ, MPA, NRP, PI, St. Mary-of-the-Woods
BCEN Undergraduate Scholarship Recipients
- Jessica Lee, RN, Western Governors University
- Jared Welk, TCRN, CEN, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Air & Surface Transport Nursing Association (ASTNA) - $35,000
-
2023 Awardees
BCEN Doctoral Scholarship Recipients
- Bruce Hoffman, MSN, RN, FNP (c), NR-Paramedic, CFRN, FP-C, CCP-C, C-NPT
- Nicholas Fatolitis, MSN, APRN, AGACNP-C, CCRN, CEN, CFRN, NRP, FP-C
- Austin Brook, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, CPEN, CBRN, CFRN, CTRN, CCRN
BCEN Masters Scholarship Recipients
- Tiffani Santos, BSN, RN, CFRN, TCRN, CEN
- Diana Ryder, BSN, CCRN, CFRN, FP-C
- Joseph Niemann, BSN, CFRN, CCRN, CEN
- Matt Jensen, BN, RN, CFRN, CEN
- Adam A. Joseph, BS, CFRN, C-NPT, FP-C
- Paul Rigby, BSN, BS, RN, CFRN, CCRN, EMT-P, CMTE
Paramedic to RN Scholarship Recipients
- Darrin Buchta, MS Ed, NRP, FP-C, MTSP-C, CMTE
- Ashley Eggers, CCEMT-P, FPC, NRP, ADP, NREMT
- Paul Budinger, AAS, NRP, FP-C
BCEN Undergraduate Scholarship Recipients
- Joseph Keffer, RN, EMT-P, CTRN, CEN, FP-C, CCP-C, NRP
National Student Nurses Association Foundation (NSNA) - $35,000
-
2024 Awardees
- Madilynn Angell-Tucker, Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN
- Mary Baker, Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL
- Teresa Capuano-Rizzo Emory University-Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA
- Tara Colonel, Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, Hempstead, NY
- Shayna Friedman, Touro University School of Health Sciences, Brooklyn, NY
- Quinnlan Frost, Morningside University, Nylen School of Nursing, Sioux City, IA
- Nia Gribbons, University of Mount Union, Alliance, OH
- Mordechai Horwath, Goodwin University, East Hartford, CT
- Skyler Kania, Widener University, Chester, PA
- Riley Kimmel, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
- Josephine Sowers, Grand View University, Des Moines, IA