The Oklahoma Nurses Association celebrated nurses, healthcare partners and nursing teams from across the state during as its 2026 Award Recipients, whose work reflects courage, leadership, innovation and a lasting commitment to improving patient care.  This year’s award recipients embody the very best of what it means to be a nurse and an advocate, serving with heart, advocating for others and leading with integrity.  These individuals are making a lasting impact on the lives of patients, their colleagues and the broader healthcare community.  We are honored to celebrate their achievements.  

In addition to our Excellence in Nursing Awards, we award three Friend of Nursing awards to non-nurses along with five Excellence in the Workplace Environment awards to organizations or units for creating positive work cultures and practices that empower nurses and improve patient outcomes.

Excellence in Nursing

• Jacob Bottroff, BSN, RN, PMH-BC, of Ocean’s Behavioral Health Hospital in Norman, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to psychiatric mental health nursing and compassionate patient care. 
• Chadell Atkinson, RN, an oncology nurse at Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma in Duncan, was recognized for demonstrating her commitment to nursing during the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, when she stepped forward to assist a runner who collapsed near the finish line.
  

Nursing Research

• Vanessa Wright, PhD, MSN, RN received the Nursing Research Award, which recognizes an ONA member whose research has significantly advanced nursing management, education, clinical practice or patient outcomes. Wright’s scholarly work focuses on improving cancer prevention and care for Indigenous communities and advancing the application of Watson’s Theory of Human Caring

Nursing Impact on Public Policy

• Katelynn Vaughan, RN, received the Nursing Impact on Public Policy Award for her dedication to advancing the political presence of nursing and representing the interests of Oklahoma nurses and patients in the area of surgical smoke safety.

Friend of Nursing

• Beth Harp, DO, Chief Medical Officer of Cherokee Nation Health Services, was honored for her partnership with nursing teams and her commitment to elevating the voice of nurses.
• Alysha McDonald, PharmD, Pharmacy Manager at INTEGRIS Health Woodward, was recognized as a trusted partner to nurses and a champion for patient-centered care. 
• Taylor Short, Lead Behavioral Health Technician at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, was recognized for her contributions to nursing, patient care and behavioral health services. 

Excellence in Nursing Workplace Environment

• The INTEGRIS Health Woodward Hospital Nursing Team was honored for building a workplace culture grounded in shared governance, frontline leadership development and nurse empowerment. 
• The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital was recognized for fostering a culture of teamwork, mentorship, professional growth and compassionate care for critically ill children and their families.
• The Pediatric Education Team at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital was honored for creating an environment where learning, innovation, and nursing excellence thrive. 
• The Phase 1 Nursing Team at Stephenson Cancer Center was recognized for its patient-centered approach to clinical research, including advocacy, care coordination and support services that help remove barriers for patients.
• The Transitional Care Management Department at OU Health was honored for supporting patients during the critical 30 days following hospital discharge.