Robin Steaban, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, former Chief Nursing Officer for Vanderbilt University Hospital, was honored with a DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of over 50 years of service to the nursing profession.
The DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes exceptional nurses with more than 25 years of service who embody the leadership, passion and integrity that are essential to nursing. Recipients exemplify a personal commitment to caring for patients, supporting other nurses through mentorship, and pursuing excellence in all areas of nursing from education to bedside.
“Robin is so deserving of this award. Her advocacy and passion for the nursing profession and for our nurses in particular have left a legacy of excellence,” said Karen Keady, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, System Chief Nursing Officer for Vanderbilt Health.
It was a full-circle moment for Steaban, who throughout her career has been integral in celebrating countless DAISY Award winners and nominees, to now be recognized for her own dedication and impact.
“Robin is a strong leader and steady example,” said Marilyn Dubree, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Senior Vice President of Clinical Enterprise Administration. “Her attention to patient care and hands-on approach have made such an impact to the nurses she has led, and I’m thrilled to see her recognized for it.”
Over the course of her career, Steaban championed shared governance initiatives, developed models for improved leadership engagement, and instituted operational nursing structures for Vanderbilt University Hospital and Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute. To engage and attract talented nurses, she was also integral in growing recruitment strategies and creating a culture that empowered nurses to innovate and work collaboratively.
Under her leadership, Vanderbilt University Hospital achieved four Magnet designations. She was also instrumental in integrating advancements such as virtual nursing and models of care to address workforce challenges.
Steaban’s DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award celebration was held Jan. 22 in honor of her retirement as Chief Nursing Officer on Jan. 30.
