News Releases

Von Rueden Receives Circle of Excellence Award from American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

May 26, 2015

Award recognizes outstanding critical-care nurses.

Baltimore, Md. – Kathryn T. Von Rueden, MS, RN, CNS-BC, FCCM, associate professor, University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) and clinical nurse specialist at the University of Maryland Medical Center’s R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, was one of 25 nursing professionals recently honored with the 2015 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Circle of Excellence Award. AACN recognized the award winners at its National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition, held May 18-21 in San Diego.

The award is given annually to up to 25 outstanding nurses nationwide for achieving excellent outcomes in the care of acutely and critically-ill patients and their families. Circle of Excellence recipients have demonstrated a relentless promotion of patient-driven excellence; communication skills; true collaboration; effective decision making; and meaningful recognition of others. 

“Kathryn Von Rueden is a highly-respected critical-care nurse who has demonstrated the ability to transform thinking, structures, and processes in addressing challenges within her field,” said UMSON Dean Jane M. Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN. "We are so proud to see her receive this national recognition, which is an acknowledgment of her sustained leadership and excellence in this important area of nursing practice."

Established in 1969, AACN is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world. It joins together the interests of more than 500,000 acute and critical-care nurses and includes more than 240 chapters worldwide. The Circle of Excellence Award aligns with the Association’s mission of creating a health care system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical-care nurses make their optimal contribution.

“My passion has always been in motivating, challenging, and mentoring others to excel professionally and at the bedside,” Von Rueden said. “I am very honored to have received this award and to be a part of a community of nursing professionals who are dedicated to shaping best practices and influencing the quality of care for critically ill patients.”

# # # 

The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools, and is ranked sixth nationally. Enrolling more than 1,600 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.