Transforming America’s Health System Through Nursing Solutions

The Edge Runners initiative recognizes nurse-designed models of care and interventions that impact cost, improve healthcare quality, and enhance consumer satisfaction. Through its Edge Runners program, the Academy recognizes the nursing profession’s contributions to new, innovative ideas the transform the health system. The stories that accompany these incredible designs underscore the leadership, ingenuity, and determination of nurses. Edge Runners represent the powerful connection nurses have to the healthcare system, the public, and society as they mark the essence of the profession – science and compassion.

Edge Runner Spotlight

María de los Ángeles Ortega (formerly Ordóñez)
DNP, APRN, GNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CDP, FAANP, FAAN

A Caring Science Model of Specialized Dementia Care for Transforming Practice and Advancing Health Equity

The Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center (MWC) model embraces a transformative, holistic model of specialized dementia care and supportive services informed by nursing theories, perspectives, and caring science. Caring is a complex and multi-dimensional concept. This nurse-led program addresses the complex needs of persons with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their families, guided by what matters most to each person. This model is critical in advancing the health of persons living with ADRD as well as their family caregivers while improving health equity for the community and reducing costs of care. Read more.

A Nursing Life: Serving the Nation

An inspiring photojournalism project that documents the work of six Edge Runners

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Applications support the innovative work of nurses and demonstrate the holistic and integrated philosophy underlying nursing care.

Application Process

Edge Runners

Edge Runner Spotlight

A Nursing Life: Serving the Nation

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Resources for Edge Runners

Early Edge Runners

Frequently Asked Questions