In recognition of her advocacy for people who have experienced sexual assault, Natalie Calow was among 15 nurses to receive the Circle of Excellence award last month from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

The Circle of Excellence award recognizes healthcare providers who promote patient-driven excellence, strong communication skills, collaboration, effective decision-making, and the ability to overcome challenges and remove barriers to patient care.

Calow received the award during AACN’s National Teaching Institute & Cricial Care Exposition (NTI) in New Orleans, May 19–21.

“Circle of Excellence recipients are relentless in their efforts to ensure that every patient gets the excellent care they deserve and that every nurse has the tools and skills they need to provide that care,” said AACN President Jennifer Adamski in a press release. “Leading by example, they give others the courage to soar, as we work together to shape the future of nursing practice and transform healthcare.”

Calow is a clinical nurse and forensic program coordinator at Indiana University Health, Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. At this large, level 1 trauma center, Calow leads the TeleSANE program – allowing assault victims to receive care locally without hospital transfer. AACN noted that with Natalie’s leadership, the program prevented 53% of unnecessary hospital transfers for sexual assault exams in 2023.

“I am so honored that my Indiana University Health colleagues nominated me for this award,” said Calow. “I am passionate about forensic nursing and the need for more forensic nursing services across the country. A victim of a crime should walk into any emergency department and receive services from a forensic nurse. They should not have to be transferred to another hospital to receive the care they deserve.”

Calow is a member of the AFN Board of Directors and chairs the AFN Membership Committee.