Advancing Excellence
Accelerating Innovation
About Friends of nursing
Friends of Nursing is a grateful patient program that was established to:
- Recognize professional excellence in nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research
- Enhance the status of nursing
- Promote nursing as a rewarding career
History
In 1988, Martha White Blalock, a Duke patient, and her husband, Dan S. Blalock Jr., envisioned a program to support the exceptional nurses who were caring for them. After his wife’s death, Mr. Blalock donated funds to begin Friends of Nursing (FON) as a way of thanking Duke Nurses for the excellent care they provide.
Since its inception in 1988, FON has sponsored professional development opportunities, such as seminars and Nursing Grand Rounds, funded scholarships for continuing education, financially supported learning and research dissemination, and recognized outstanding nursing practice. FON activities ensure that all Duke University Health System (DUHS) nurses have access to the funding and education required to enhance their roles as health care providers, educators, researchers and administrators.
Fast Facts
Friends of Nursing supports more than 8,100 Duke Nurses with activities for nurse professional development, recognition and appreciation:
Professional Development
Nursing Grand Rounds presentations on topics of interest
Seminars based on staff-driven needs
Stipend Program for nurses selected to present at conferences
Recognition
Award Program that honors exemplary nurses each year
Annual Celebration of Nursing Excellence
Nominations for Professional and Community Awards
Award Honoree recognition via internal and external media
Legacy of Nursing Excellence documentation and celebration
Appreciation
National Nurses Week presentations
“Thank You” gift distribution during National Nurses Week
Exemplars of Nursing Excellence promotion National Nurses Week
As of December 2024, FON has:
- Recognized 949 nurses with Excellence Awards, which includes the 2024 honorees. Each honoree receives a FON pin, a certificate, an engraved trophy and an education stipend. This year, FON increased the stipend amount to $2,500.
- Engaged more than 12,000 participants in continuing education opportunities, including seminars, Nursing Grand Rounds and National Nurses Week speakers.
Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee has been the driving force behind the development of Friends of Nursing into a program that is the envy of hospitals and health systems across the country. In fact, Duke Health is one of only a few organizations (~6) in the country with an endowed program to support nursing.
The Advisors have met regularly through the years to envision activities for recognizing professional excellence in nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research; enhancing the status of nursing; and promoting the image of nursing as a positive career choice. And, they have committed time and energy to plan and execute key initiatives. Our Advisors remain focused on the future, to keep Friends of Nursing relevant. And, they are key contributors to the program year after year.
2024 Advisory Committee
Chair
Mary Ann Peter, PhD, RN
Hillsborough, N.C.
Advisors
Alyson Breisch, MSN, RN-BC
Durham, N.C.
Ted Cole
Garner, N.C
Sharon Dooley
Cary, N.C
Pam Edwards, EdD, MSN, RN-BC, FABC, CNE, CENP
Willow Spring, N.C.
David Kong, MD
Durham, N.C.
Fran Mauney, MEd, BSN, RN
Durham, N.C.
Brenda Nevidjon, MSN, RN, FAAN
Durham, N.C.
Ellen Tim, MSN, RN
Raleigh, N.C.
Mary Vinson, DNP, RN-BC
Durham, N.C.
Emeritus
Mary Champagne, PhD, RN, FAAN
Durham, N.C.
DUHS Advisors
Priscilla Ramseur, DNP, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing and Patient Care Services Officer
Duke Raleigh Hospital
Associate Chief Nursing Executive
Duke University Health System
Kristin Merritt, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA–BC, CCRN–K
Chief Nursing and Patient Care Services Officer
Duke Regional Hospital
Kelly Sullivan, DNP, RN, NE-BC
Vice President
Ambulatory Nursing & Patient Care Services
Duke University Health System
Chantal Howard, MSN, RN, CEN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing and Patient Care Services Officer
Duke University Hospital
Terry McDonnell, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC
Senior Vice President & Chief Nurse Executive
Duke University Health System
Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs
Duke University School of Nursing
Committee Chairs
Jana Alexander
Director of Special Programs, DUHS Nursing Chair, Celebration Committee
Zhila Mostaghimi, BSN, RN, CNIV
Chair, Publicity Committee
Fred Sullivan, MSN, RN
Chair, Awards & Stipends Committee
