Nursing Spectrum, American Red Cross Seek Nominations for Bi-Annual Nurse Heroes Event

Nominations due July 30, 2004

WASHINGTON, Monday, July 19, 2004 — Saving a life is one of the most heroic and significant things anyone can do. The American Red Cross and Nursing Spectrum are joining forces to honor ten nurse heroes from across the United States who saved or attempted to save a life under difficult conditions.

"Nurses are such an important part of this country’s healthcare network," said Nancy McKelvey, RN, Chief Nurse for the American Red Cross. "Millions of nurses work around the clock, tirelessly keeping Americans healthy and safe. But by highlighting a few very special colleagues who’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty, we pay tribute and celebrate them all."

The ten nurses chosen will be honored at the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, DC, September 13, 2004. Each nurse and one guest will receive a paid trip to the nation’s capital to attend the ceremony. Nursing leaders from across the United States will be invited to this special ceremony to recognize these heroic nurses.

Individuals wishing to nominate a nurse for this award can obtain a nomination form by visiting www.nursingspectrum.com or by calling Cynthia Vlasich, RN, Senior VP, Professional Services for Nursing Spectrum, at (847) 490-6678, or email cvlasich@nursingspectrum.com.

Candidates will be selected based upon the following criteria:

• The nominee must have saved or attempted to save a life under adverse conditions.
• The event must not have been part of his or her defined work duties.
• The event must have occurred between May 2, 2002 and May 2, 2004.
• The nominee must have been licensed at the time of the event as an RN or LPN/LVN in any state or territory under United States jurisdiction.

Nomination Process:

• The nominator does not have to be a nurse nor affiliated with the American Red Cross or Nursing Spectrum.
• Self-nominations are permitted.
• Obtain a nomination form by visiting www.nursingspectrum.com or calling (847) 490-6678.
• Include the date, location, and a narrative description of the event, not to exceed 250 words, on a separate page.
• Include two letters (maximum number) of endorsement and validation, with contact information for the person(s) signing the letters.
• Include documentation of any media coverage (e.g., print, online) in the packet. No videotapes, please.

All nominations must be received no later than July 30, 2004. Nominations will not be accepted by e-mail or fax.

"We are honored to join the American Red Cross in recognizing nurse heroes across the nation," said Patti Rager, RN, President and Publisher of Nursing Spectrum. "Our mission at Nursing Spectrum has always been to support and recognize the nursing profession."

About the American Red Cross
With more than 40,000 nurses who are involved in all areas of the organization, governed by volunteers and supported by community donations, the American Red Cross is a nationwide network of nearly 900 field units dedicated to saving lives and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Led by 1 million volunteers and 36,000 employees, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to families affected by more than 70,000 disasters, trains almost 12 million people in lifesaving skills and keeps U.S. military families connected worldwide. The Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood and blood products to more than 3,000 hospitals across the nation and also assists victims of international disasters and conflicts at locations worldwide. Marsha J. Evans is the President and CEO of the American Red Cross.

About Nursing Spectrum
Nursing Spectrum is an RN-led communications company and a division of Gannett Company, Inc. The company promotes the education, recognition and support of the nursing community by providing timely, relevant, and compelling information through its award winning magazines now including NurseWeek, annual career guides, websites (nursingspectrum.com, nurseweek.com), Nursing Spectrum Continuing Education services, and Nursing Spectrum Career Fitness® Expos, reaching more than a million RNs, nursing students, and other healthcare professionals worldwide.