The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA), representing more than 218,000 registered nurses in the Commonwealth, held a closing ceremony and awards presentation in Harrisburg on Friday, December 12, 2014. Mentors and mentees from the 2013-2014 class were recognized during the ceremony. The Institute is a leadership development program designed to assist nurses in contributing to the delivery of high-quality health care while collaborating with other leaders in the reform needed to redesign health care in the U.S.

The Institute was pleased to host keynote speaker Linda Gural, RN, CCRN. Gural, a board member of the American Nurses Association, presented “Tomorrow’s Nursing Leaders: You!” to a group of more than 15 registered nurse leaders and managers. In addition, the Institute distributed two awards to outstanding mentors and mentees. The 2013-2014 Excellence in Mentoring Award recipient was Julie Beck, DEd, RN, CNE, associate professor at York College of Pennsylvania. The 2013-2014 Mentee of the Year Award recipient was SueEllen Schwab-Kapty, RN, instructor at Washington Health System, School of Nursing.

“We applaud the 2013-2014 class of the Star Leadership Institute,” stated PSNA CEO Betsy M. Snook, MEd, RN, BSN. “This group of health care professionals demonstrated excellence in promoting the profession and dedication to leadership development.”

PSNA President Dr. Chris Alichnie and SueEllen Schwab-Kapty

PSNA President Dr. Chris Alichnie and Julie Beck.