Associate Professor Teresa (Tess) Judge-Ellis, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, has been named recipient of the 2019 American Association of Nurse Practitioners® Iowa State Award for Nurse Practitioner Excellence. This prestigious award is given annually to a dedicated nurse practitioner (NP) and NP advocate in each state.

Founded in 1991, the State Award for NP Excellence, recognizes an NP in each state who demonstrates excellence in practice. In 1993, the State Award for NP Advocate Excellence was added to recognize the efforts of individuals who have made a significant contribution toward increasing awareness and recognition of the NP role.

“It is an honor to be recognized by AANP,” said Dr. Judge-Ellis. “I've loved every aspect of my career as a nurse practitioner and NP educator. Because of our wonderful state practice act, Iowa NPs have been able to lead in practice settings, providing cost effective, excellent care and improving access to care throughout Iowa.”

Dr. Judge-Ellis is nationally board certified in family practice and psychiatry/mental health. She practices two days per week in a rural primary care clinic and one day per week in a private psychiatric office. Her interests include general psychiatry, all aspects of mental health care in the primary care setting, family practice, and trauma informed care. In 2013, she was inducted as a Fellow in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Dr. Judge-Ellis will be honored along with other recipients at an awards ceremony during AANP’s 2019 National Conference, June 18-23, in Indianapolis.

# # #

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the largest national professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties, represents the interests of more than 248,000 licensed NPs practicing in the United States. To locate a nurse practitioner, go to npfinder.com.  For more information about NPs, visit aanp.org.