Drs. Karen Kesten and Kenya Beard, both members of the GW Nursing community, were inducted Saturday as Fellows in the American Academy of Nursing (AAN).
Dr. Kesten’s contributions to advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) have improved the environment for professional nursing and set the stage for clinical, educational and policy innovations. Dr. Kesten’s work shows significant accomplishments in the growth of critical care as an important nursing specialty and the development and dissemination of the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Education (LACE). This work has enhanced care delivery and health outcomes for the public through standardizing practice and shaping the scope and certification of APRNs.
Dr. Kesten is a nationally known thought leader in APRN education through her works at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and her volunteer activities including her position as Chair for the Certification Corporation for the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). Dr. Kesten has achieved the Academy’s goal of advancing practice and policy through innovations in certification and advanced practice.
Dr. Beard, a Senior Fellow in GW Nursing’s Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement, also was inducted. is an Associate Professor at the City University of New York, The School of Professional Studies and a Faculty Scholar for the Harvard Macy Institute Program for Educators in Health Professions. She is the Founding Director of the Center for Multicultural Education and Health Disparities and a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine.