Rose Shaffer, RN, MSN, ACNP-BC, CCRN, a cardiology nurse practitioner at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, was selected to receive an Individual Circle of Excellence Award from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

A leader in the field of cardiovascular nursing for more than 30 years, Shaffer is a fellow of the American Heart Association and a past president of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the AACN.

Jefferson colleague Eleanor Fitzpatrick, RN, MSN, CCRN, was one of her nominators for the award.

"Rose is a true proponent for evidence-based practice and brings passion to all elements of her work," Fitzpatrick wrote in her nomination. "She is a respected voice for cardiovascular nursing at Jefferson who strives to improve patient outcomes from serious disease. She has always been a patient advocate, and everything she does is geared toward the provision of excellent patient care."

Shaffer received the award at the 2012 National Teaching Institute Conference in May in Orlando, Fla.

The Individual Circle of Excellence Award recognizes and showcases excellent outcomes in the care of acutely and critically ill patients and their families.