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Celebrating Harriet Hawkins: A Pillar of Emergency Nursing

On May 28, 2025, the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) proudly announced that Harriet Hawkins, RN, CCRN, CPN, CPEN, FAEN, has been honored with the prestigious Judith C. Kelleher Award for 2025. This significant accolade is a testament to Hawkins' remarkable contributions to the field of emergency nursing, spanning over five decades.

Hawkins’ journey into nursing began with uncertainty—a common sentiment shared by many young professionals. However, over the last 56 years, she has become a beacon of hope and excellence in the industry, dedicating a significant portion of her career to enhancing pediatric emergency care. Her professional footprint includes teaching pediatric trauma courses across the globe and participating in multiple medical missions that have taken her to some of the most underserved regions in the world.

The Impact of Experience

Hawkins has spent 42 years at the renowned Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, evolving through various roles and currently serving as a professional development specialist in resuscitation education. Her vast experiences illustrate her deep commitment to pediatric emergency care, always with a focus on family-centered approaches.

In her community, Hawkins actively gives back through charitable initiatives while steadfastly supporting the ENA as a member of the Illinois ENA Council Board of Directors. Her dedication to her patients and the nursing profession is matched by her passion for teaching and mentorship.

“If I had to do it over, I would do it again. I would totally do it again,” Hawkins shared during an interview on an ENA Podcast, expressing gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon her.

Acknowledging Excellence

Ryan Oglesby, PhD, MHA, RN, CEN, CFRN, NEA-BC, and ENA President, praised Hawkins for her unyielding dedication to emergency nursing. “Harriet’s career journey represents the essence of what emergency nurses do. Over the course of five decades, she humbly sought new opportunities and, at each turn, she ended up making an immeasurable difference in the lives of countless people—her patients, her peers, and communities around the world,” Oglesby remarked, highlighting her significant influence on the nursing community.

Alongside Hawkins, the ENA has recognized thirteen other remarkable individuals for their extraordinary achievements in various categories, including clinical expertise and community engagement.

The 2025 ENA awards will be formally presented during the Emergency Nursing 2025 conference, scheduled for September 17-20 in New Orleans. This annual gathering serves not just as a celebration of nursing excellence, but also an opportunity for professionals to connect, learn, and advocate for ongoing improvements in emergency care.

Building the Future

The ENA was founded in 1970 and has proven to be an invaluable resource for emergency nursing professionals worldwide, with nearly 45,000 members actively participating in advocacy, education, and research. This esteemed association plays a crucial role in shaping the future of emergency care and prioritizing patient safety.

As the 2025 award recipients prepare to be showcased, the ENA continues to set high standards for emergency nursing practice and leadership. Harriet Hawkins, through her exemplary service and unwavering commitment, perfectly embodies the spirit of this prestigious award, inspiring both current and future generations of nurses to pursue excellence and serve their communities selflessly.