By Amanda E.H. Pritchard
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing alumna Jenna Staggs, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, RNC-NIC, C-ONQS, C-ELBW (MSN 2018, DNP 2020), has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Rising Star Award from the National Association of Neonatal Nurses.
The APRN Rising Star Award recognizes an individual who has significantly influenced neonatal nursing through exemplary practice, leadership, service and education in the early stages of their career. Staggs not only has demonstrated impact, she also has exemplified passion for her work.
“Receiving this award gives me both a sense of accomplishment and affirmation of the effort and dedication I continually give to my profession and patients,” Staggs said.
Staggs is a nurse leader who engages in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrates positive impact in evidenced-based care. She attributes these characteristics to the UAB School of Nursing, where she developed these leadership skills.
“I am the advanced practice nurse I am today because of the cognitive, psychomotor and effective skills and values I gained through the MSN and DNP programs at UAB,” Staggs said. “Applying nursing theories and frameworks to research, analyzing and synthesizing information to provide evidence-based care has been invaluable to my practice, and helps me provide quality care to my patients and their families.”
Currently a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner with United Telehealth Services where she provides Neonatology Services for Southern Tennessee Regional Health System, Staggs encourages the next generation of nurse leaders to dream big.
“Don’t limit your dreams and aspirations based on your past experiences or others’ expectations for your life,” Staggs said. “While you reach for your full potential, inspire others to do the same.”
Staggs will receive the award at the 2023 NANN Conference in Anaheim, California in September 2023.
