New in 2023! RN Rising Star Award

The RN Rising Star is for a nurse who exhibits passion and growing expertise in the field of neonatal nursing, with an attitude of continually seeking learning and professional growth opportunities. This RN actively participates in workplace activities above and beyond the expectations of their role and inspires others to do the same. The RN demonstrates a commitment to professional development and education. Additionally, the candidate collaboratively engages in projects/initiatives that positively impact their institution, patient outcomes, family interactions, and the nursing profession with a specific focus on the neonatal population.

Applications for the 2025 awards are closed.

Candidates will be able to meet the following criteria:

• Within their first five years of practice.
• Demonstrate excellence in the practice and art of neonatal nursing.
• Engaged participant in additional activities within their place of work such as committee involvement, specialty roles, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Shows evidence of learning to lead and mentor others.
• Actively seeks and participates in professional development opportunities.

Nomination and Selection Process:

NANN members can nominate a peer or self-nominate themselves for the RN Rising Star Award. Nominations must include one letter of recommendation and a CV/resume. Submitted applications are shared with the NANN Awards Task Force members for review and the applicants are scored based on their ability to meet the award’s criteria.

Recognition and Reimbursement:

The awardee will receive complimentary conference registration, airfare/ground transportation stipend of $500, housing stipend of $500, and a trophy at NANN’s Annual Conference.

2025 Recipient:

Catherine Lawless, BSN RNC-NIC

Catherine Lawless graduated from the University of Delaware School of Nursing in 2021. She started her career as a neonatal nurse at the Nemours Children’s Hospital Level IV NICU, where she now continues to serve as a bedside nurse. She has advanced to a Level III RN on the clinical ladder and expanded her roles to include charge nurse, mentor, and preceptor. She also serves on several NICU Committees including the CLABSI Prevention team, the Discharge Improvement committee, and Healthy Work Environment committee. Catherine has passions for patient advocacy, excellence in clinical care, mentorship, and team-building within the interdisciplinary NICU team. 

Most recently, Catherine helped lead a year-long project with the American Association of Critical Care Nurses CSI Academy Healthy Workforce Initiative to promote meaningful recognition that improved workplace morale and respect. Catherine’s efforts have fostered a positive, inclusive environment that supports both patient care, patient families, and interdisciplinary professional development.

Her contributions have been recognized through multiple honors, including the 2024 NICU Leadership, Positivity, and Teamwork Awards, a Daisy Nomination, and she has been named one of Delaware’s top nurses for the past three years. In addition to her clinical work, Catherine serves as an adjunct faculty member in the University of Delaware’s simulation lab and as President of the Beta Xi at-Large chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, where she promotes excellence in nursing education, community service, and leadership.