It takes vision and determination to be a leader. In today’s society, leaders are all around us, but only every once in a while does one rise to the top as a Living Legend.

Every year the American Academy of  Nursing honors a small number of fellows as Living Legends. These individuals have made significant contributions to the nursing profession and made a positive impact on health care. Traditionally, their “legendary contributions” continue far beyond their own career and have a lasting impact on health care or health policy.

Sinclair School of Nursing is honored to share that the American Academy of Nursing released this week that they have chosen our very own Marilyn Rantz PhD, RN, FAAN as one of 2020’s Living Legend.

“Her research efforts have improved care processes, reduced costs associated with care, and improved the quality and length of life of older adults. These research-based strategies and interventions will have an impact on care delivery and the lives of older adults for years to come”, said Dean Sarah Thompson.

Marilyn Rantz, PhD, RN, FAAN, is the premier expert in quality measurement in nursing homes and research programs to improve elder care. A nurse for 50 years, Dr. Rantz’s pioneering work and innovative spirit is evidenced through the profession’s paradigm shifts in measuring nursing home quality, utilizing new technologies to help seniors live independently, and gaining fair reimbursement for nursing services.

Dr. Rantz also initiated legislation to set the stage for nurses practicing to the full scope of their education and training and has received more than $87 million in various grants to further her work. She is Executive Director for the Aging in Place Project, which allows seniors to “age in place” through the creation of Sinclair Home Care and the Quality Improvement Program for Missouri which has transformed the care Missouri nursing home residents receive— both models being designated as Academy Edge Runners. Dr. Rantz is Curators’ Professor Emerita, University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing.

Dr. Rantz will be inducted as a Living Legend at the Academy virtual ceremony in October.

To find out more about the nomination process visit: https://www.aannet.org/about/fellows/living-legends

Click Here to read the Columbia Missourian story posted 9/1/2020