A Look at the May 2026 Winner for the Advancement of Nursing Practice Award
Paulette Sheagren, an APRN in Behavioral Health Service Line
(summary of her nomination) Paulette Sheagren exemplifies the highest standards of advanced practice nursing through her clinical expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care. She is known for her thoughtful, evidence-based approach and her ability to navigate complex clinical situations with both confidence and compassion. Her impact is reflected in consistently outstanding patient satisfaction, as she earns the trust of those she serves through meaningful and attentive care. Paulette has also stepped into critical gaps, assuming responsibility for a geriatric population and pursuing ongoing education to ensure the highest quality outcomes. Beyond the clinic, her innovation and community engagement—such as partnering with students to create tools that support patient well-being—demonstrate her far-reaching impact.
Paulette’s impact extends beyond clinical excellence—she is a leader who meets challenges with compassion, adaptability, and innovation. She has embraced the complex needs of vulnerable patient populations, ensuring that even during times of transition, patients receive consistent, high-quality care. Her commitment to continuous learning strengthens her ability to serve, particularly in specialized areas like geriatric care. Through creative initiatives that support both patients and the broader community, she has expanded the reach of her influence beyond the clinical setting. Paulette’s dedication, empathy, and pursuit of excellence make her a powerful example of what advanced practice nursing can achieve.
A look back at past winner
The Excellence in Advanced Practice Award recognizes the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who excels in UAMS Health core values of integrity, respect, diversity and health equity, teamwork, creativity, excellence, and safety. This professional will be recognized for their admirable character, selfless dedication, continued leadership, and outstanding advocacy for the profession of advanced practice nursing. Perpetually raising the bar for all, they help establish a higher standard quality of care.
Nomination Requirements
- Nominee must be a licensed Advance Practice Nurse (CNM, CRNA, CNS, or NP) within the UAMS Health system
- Nominee must promote excellence through leadership, clinical practice, and/or clinical research.
Nomination Process
- Complete the application below in its entirety relating to the Advanced Practice nurse you are nominating. If you have any supportive information in the area provided in the nomination form, please attach it. NOTE: Nominations will not be accepted after the closing date.
Selection Process
- Nominations that meet criteria will be blinded and reviewed by the Awards Committee. The Awards Committee will select winners based only on the information provided in the nomination and supportive information.
- Nominees who meet the criteria, as well as the selected winner, will be celebrated during annual Professional Nursing Awards ceremony.