The following excerpt was published in Nursing Management’s January 2019 issue. This winning 2018 Richard Hader Visionary Leader Award entry was submitted by Kathleen Evanovich Zavotsky, PhD, RN, CCRN, CEN, ACNS-BC, FAEN, and Kathy Easter, MSN, RN, CCRN-K to Nursing Management in recognition of Lori A. Colineri, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CNO of the Southern Region for RWJ Barnabas Health (RWJBH). Lori was formally recognized for her achievements before the Keynote Address on September 26 at Nursing Management Congress2018 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., where she received the award, sponsored by Hackensack Meridian Health.
 
Lori A. Colineri is the quintessential nurse leader who expertly blends art and science to advance nursing practice at local, regional, national, and international forums. Lori began her career as a critical care clinical nurse in 1985. Her penchant for leadership was quickly recognized by peers, interprofessional colleagues, and leaders. This recognition served as a catalyst to launch Lori on her impressive and visionary leadership journey.
 
Here are some of the many highlights of Lori’s impressive career, demonstrating how she has and continues to foster a positive work environment:

• Under Lori's leadership, RWJBH developed a contemporary model of nursing practice that helps nurses navigate the complex healthcare system.
• Lori's active leadership in the rigorous Magnet® document submission and site survey process resulted in a fifth Magnet recognition for RWJUH—one of seven organizations worldwide to receive Magnet recognition five consecutive times—and a second Magnet recognition for RWJS.
• Lori supported a clinical nurse's desire to start a transgender family support group.
• Lori's focus and collaborative leadership style have resulted in significant improvements in safety and quality outcomes. For example, inpatient hospital falls decreased by 36%, central line-associated bloodstream infections decreased by 58%, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections decreased by 76% since Lori assumed her role at RWJUH.
• Lori understands the critical priority for professional development and its complexities. She helped implement the Center for Professional Development, Innovation, and Research, which is now imbedded into each of the 11 hospitals in RWJBH.
• Lori was instrumental in obtaining a $5 million gift from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation to enhance high-fidelity simulation and education for nurses across the health system.

Read more about Lori, including examples of her commitment to clinical practice, transformational leadership and mentoring.

Do you know a visionary nurse leader? The editorial board of Nursing Management journal is accepting nominees for the 2019 Richard Hader Visionary Leader Award! This prestigious annual award recognizes a nurse leader who views nursing as both an art and a science by promoting caring and competence. The winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Nursing Management Congress2019, taking place in New Orleans from October 15 to 19, and will be recognized at an awards ceremony during the conference. For more information about the award competition and how to enter, click here. We can’t wait to hear from you!