At its annual conference in April, the Alabama Emergency Nurses Association (AENA) honored three emergency caregivers at UAB Hospital and UAB St. Vincent’s East with AENA Excellence Awards for 2025. These awards recognize nurses and advanced practice providers who demonstrate outstanding leadership, clinical expertise, and commitment to emergency care.
Our 2025 recipients are:
- Frankie Wallis, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, COI (UAB Hospital), who received the Emergency Nursing Leadership Award. It honors transformational leadership in emergency nursing, including leaders who inspire teams, support professional growth, and drive meaningful improvement across emergency care.
- Wallis’ career reflects a deep commitment to advancing emergency nursing across Alabama. Through his work in nursing practice, executive leadership, and clinical instruction, he has helped support the development of nurses and leaders who are shaping the future of emergency care.
- John Andrews, BSN, RN, CEN (UAB St. Vincent’s East), who received the 2025 Outstanding Nurse Management Award. It recognizes exceptional leadership and management in emergency care, including advocacy for staff, operational excellence, and the ability to build a strong and supportive departmental culture.
- Andrews is known for the steady leadership required in one of healthcare’s most demanding environments. His Certified Emergency Nurse designation reflects his commitment to clinical excellence, while his work as a director demonstrates the advocacy, problem-solving, and team focus that are essential for a strong emergency department.
- Andrew Semegram, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C (UAB Hospital), who received the Excellence in Advanced Practice Emergency Nursing Award. It celebrates advanced practice providers who make outstanding contributions in emergency settings through their clinical expertise, critical decision-making, and compassionate patient care.
- Semegram’s dual certification as a family nurse practitioner and emergency nurse practitioner reflects the depth of preparation required for advanced practice emergency nursing. His work demonstrates the skill, precision, and patient-centered approach that help elevate care in high-pressure emergency settings.
Congratulations to these outstanding team members on their well-deserved recognition. The important work you do every day makes a difference for our patients, coworkers, and communities.