Her body of work has saved thousands of bodies. On March 30th, Bettye Shogren and MNA will be honored for enduring contributions to the field of caregiver health and safety. Bettye and MNA will receive the Advocacy Award at the 9th Annual Safe Patient Movement Conference in Miami, Florida. The honor is bestowed by the Conference conveners upon individuals or organizations that advocate for caregiver safety and quality of life.

Because of Bettye’s steadfast devotion to workplace health and safety, Minnesota is recognized across the country as a leader in addressing the myriad health and safety issues facing nurses in their work environment.  Today, many nurses in acute care facilities across the U.S. are spared debilitating consequences from back injuries, exposure to blood-borne pathogens, violence and other factors thanks to Bettye’s perseverance and skill.

Audrey Nelson has gained her own international reputation for her work in safe patient movement, but she us humbled by Bettye’s enduring influence in the field. "Bettye’s contributions to improving nurse safety in Minnesota have been profound, sustained, and effective," said Ms. Nelson.  "Through her efforts, I am hopeful that a new generation of nurses in her state will begin their careers protected from the known hazards associated with years of manual patient handling.  She is so deserving of this award."

In 1998, Bettye led MNA members to initiate groundbreaking research that exposed this formidable danger and, after identifying the scope of the problem, spearheaded action to address it.

Health and Safety plays a prominent role in MNA’s every day agenda, because it was authorized by the House of Delegates to become an organizational priority in 2004. Upon the vote, the entire delegation rose to its feet with a vigorous ovation honoring an emotional and well-deserving Bettye Shogren, who championed the initiative.