Nancy DeBasio Named to 2012 Class of Fellows of American Academy of Nursing

What is it like to be awarded one of the highest honors in your field? Just ask Nancy DeBasio, Ph.D., RN, president and dean of Research College of Nursing, who was recently named to the 2012 Class of Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing.

The fellowship is awarded to nursing leaders who have made substantive and sustained contributions to the field of nursing.

“It has been an amazing and humbling experience,” said DeBasio. “This is something I have always aspired to receive. It gives me great pride and privilege to be a member of this incredible group of professionals.”

DeBasio began her career in 1970 as assistant professor at Rockland Community College in Suffern, N.Y. She also served in a number of educator positions at Adelphi University, University of Pennsylvania, Seton Hall University and Loyola University Chicago. She came to Research College of Nursing in 1988 as associate dean for academic affairs, and accepted her current position as president and dean in 1992.

Research College of Nursing has its roots in Research Medical Center, an award-winning hospital that is part of HCA Midwest Health System - Kansas City’s largest health care network. Because of her role at Research College and the College’s partnership with Rockhurst University to offer nursing degrees, DeBasio is a member of the Rockhurst University President’s Cabinet.

“To put it in perspective, there are about 3 million nurses in the world and only 1,800 fellows in 39 years,” said the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, president of Rockhurst University. “This only begins to showcase how much impact Nancy’s contributions have had on advancing the nursing profession and increasing visibility of Research College of Nursing. She is a dedicated community leader and someone who truly loves what she does each day, and it shows.”

DeBasio always knew she wanted to be a nurse.

“It is a choice I made 44 years ago and I’ve never regretted it,” she said. “Nursing is challenging and satisfying. As a nurse, you have opportunities to interact and impact people at both their most joyous moments of celebration and their deepest moments of despair and sorrow. It is an incredible privilege and a tremendous responsibility.”

Find a full list of 2012 fellows here. Learn more about the programs offered through Rockhurst’s partnership with Research College of Nursing.