Laura M. Cohen, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Rutland Regional Medical Center was a recent recipient of the prestigious American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) 2019 State Award for Excellence. Laura, along with other nurse practitioners and nurse practitioner advocates were honored at an awards ceremony and reception held during the AANP 2019 National Conference June 18-23 in Indianapolis, IN.
The State Award for Nurse Practitioner Excellence, founded in 1991, recognizes a nurse practitioner (NP) in a state who demonstrates excellence in practice. In 1993, the State Award for Nurse Practitioner Advocate was added to recognize the efforts of individuals who have made a significant contribution toward increasing awareness and recognition of NPs.
“Laura Cohen is a shining example of what it means to be a healthcare provider; caring, compassionate, with an ability to communicate with patients in way that they understand. As Ms. Cohen has grown in her profession, she also has elevated those around her. All of us at Rutland Regional Medical Center consider her to be a tremendous asset to our organization,” said Claudio Fort, President and CEO of Rutland Regional Medical Center.
Laura received her both her Master of Science Nurse Practitioner and Post Masters Certificate Acute Care Nurse Practitioner from Sage Graduate School, and Doctorate or Nurse Practice from Chatham University. Her specialty is hospital medicine, with extensive experience caring for inpatient critical patients and outpatient cardiac patients. She volunteers at the Rutland Free Clinic, the American Lung Association and is a member of the Community Collaboration Committee at Rutland Regional. Laura has two grown daughters and resides in Rutland with her husband John.
About AANP:
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties. It represents the interests of more than 270,000 NPs practicing in the U. S. today, providing a unified networking platform and advocating for their role as providers of high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, patient-centered and personalized health care. The organization provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NP patients and other health care consumers. For more information, visit aanp.org.
About Rutland Regional Medical Center
Rutland Regional Medical Center founded in 1896, is the largest community hospital and the second largest health care facility in Vermont with a medical staff of 256 physicians trained in 37 specialty areas. With a strong patient focus, consistent quality performance, nursing excellence, and award-winning care, Rutland Regional remains dedicated to improving the health of families and individuals throughout Rutland County and beyond.
Photo L-R: Dr. Joyce Knestrick, AANP Past President , Laura Cohen, DNP and Michelle Wade, AANP Vermont State Representative.