Dr. Susan Bedwell Receives National Award for Excellence in Clinical Nursing

OU Health clinical nurse specialist Dr. Susan Bedwell, DNP, APRN-CNS, CCNS-N, clinical assistant professor and neonatal CNS program track coordinator at the University of Oklahoma Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing, has received a prestigious national award for her contributions to clinical nursing.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Evidence-Based Practice/Quality Improvement (CNS EBP/QI) Award from the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) recognized Dr. Bedwell in March 2025 for her outstanding work in evidence-based practice and quality improvement. Dr. Bedwell has been with OU Health since 2018, serving in multiple roles, including neonatal clinical nurse specialist at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health and director of quality improvement for the OU College of Medicine Section of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.

"We are incredibly proud of Dr. Bedwell for receiving this national recognition,” said OU Health Chief Nurse Executive Dr. Stefanie Beavers, DNP, R.N., NEA-BC. “Her dedication to improving patient care through evidence-based practice and quality improvement is truly inspiring and has been commended by her peers. This award is a testament to her hard work and commitment to excellence."

A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who provides clinical expertise to ensure quality, cost-effective patient outcomes by supporting nursing practice and optimizing system processes through innovation, evidence-based practice and research.

NACNS, the only nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to supporting the nation’s 90,000 clinical nurse specialists, is committed to strengthening the profession through advocacy, education, and practice advancement. Each year, NACNS honors CNSs who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. Award recipients are nominated and selected by their peers for their dedication, innovation, and leadership in the field.

"I am deeply honored to receive this award from NACNS,” said Dr. Bedwell. “This recognition reflects the collaborative efforts of my colleagues and the supportive environment at OU Health. I am committed to continuing our work in advancing clinical practice and improving patient outcomes for all Oklahomans."