VCU Nurse Executive Chosen for Nurse Practitioner Advocate Award

By Malorie Burkett

Shirley Gibson, associate vice president of nursing for the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, has been awarded the 2011 American Academy of Nurse Practitioners NP Advocate Award for her leadership and advocacy of nurse practitioners in Virginia.

Each year, the AANP recognizes a nurse practitioner and a nurse practitioner advocate in each state. The award recognizes the efforts of individuals, other than nurse practitioners, who have made a significant contribution toward increasing the awareness and acceptance of the nurse practitioner.

“Shirley has dedicated her career to the advancement of nursing practice and the health of the citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Deborah Zimmermann, chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services at the VCU Health System. “Her superb leadership has led to improved access, better communication among clinical disciplines and has opened up channels of communication with policy makers.”

Gibson has advocated for removal of scope of practice barriers between the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners professional organization, regulatory agencies, organized medicine and other key stakeholders. 

Her health care career spans more than 40 years, beginning as a staff nurse. She also serves as director of professional development in the School of Allied Health Profession’s Department of Health Administration Graduate program and president of the Virginia Nurses Association.

In addition, she has served on the Governor's Virginia Health Reform Initiative Advisory Council, charged with the task of providing recommendations for implementing federal health reform in Virginia. 

Gibson will receive the award in June at the AANP’s national conference in Las Vegas.

The AANP was founded in 1985 and is the oldest and largest full-service national professional organization for nurse practitioners of all specialties. For more information, visit www.aanp.org.