Eligibility Criteria

1. SUNA member in good standing for at least 5 years
2. Certification by CBUNA preferred
3. Numerous service contributions to SUNA at the local, regional and / or national levels.
4. Demonstrates progressive leadership qualities in SUNA and other professional or personal endeavors.
5. Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
   • Motivates and inspires the people around them to accomplish more than they would normally
   • Creates a vision for the future and helps others understand their role in achieving it
   • Communicates in a manner which is fair, straightforward and open
   • Takes prompt decisive action  to resolve issues
6. Enthusiasm and passion towards advancing urologic nursing.

Application Process

1. A SUNA member must submit a letter of endorsement to the Board of Directors to include:
   • The nominee's name, title and current position in urology. The nomination can come from any SUNA member, including self-nominees.
   • A written description of why the nominee should be considered for the award.
   • A current CV or resume of the nominee or an employment history.
   • The deadline for receipt of nomination is June 1 of each year.
2. The award will be determined by a vote cast by the SUNA Foundation Trustees. If any of these individuals are nominated for the award, they will refrain from voting.
3. The SUNA Foundation will maintain a separate fund for this award to receive ongoing donations from SUNA vendors. (These funds will not infringe on regular vendor donations). The award will be given annually as funds are available. The award will include a monetary sum, a recognition trophy, and will be awarded at the SUNA Annual Conference. The amount of the check will be determined by the SUNA President according to available funding in this designated account.

Download the Ardeth Hale Leadership Award Application

2021 Ardeth Hale Leadership Award Recipient

Charlene Vollmer, BSN, RN, CMSRN
Nominated by Tina Rath, BSN, RN, CURN

According to the award nomination letter, Vollmer “has trained so many young nurses and doctors in her career, networking should be her middle name. Her ability to bring people and professionals together to share knowledge, network mand be educated is beyond fathomable. Her dedication to SUNA is enviable and is truly what brought me, and many others I know, to the SUNA community. Many of us have been mentored by Charlene on how to be active board members. Charlene takes great pride in coordinating educational SUNA dinners for our community and has done this since 2010 very successfully. She puts feet on the ground, flyers in hands, and information on boards to encourage all professionals in the entire Mississippi Valley Chapter area, which includes three states, to attend the event. She is constantly introducing professionals and providing invaluable resources when people need it most. She has volunteered with so many local and national organizations to better the lives of the people in our communities, it is hard to count them. You will always catch her in between stops, as she is always on to the next meeting, dinner, church or educational event, exercise group, or volunteer opportunity. Her passion for urologic nursing and education has been with her from the beginning of her nursing career and continues with her in her retirement.”

Vollmer has worked in urology over 45 years and joined SUNA in 2004 with encouragement from physicians and members of the Chicago Metro Chapter and Mississippi Valley Chapter. In 2007, Vollmer participated in a research project, “Detection of Delirium in Hospitalized Urology Patients,” funded by a SUNA grant. Study results were presented at the SUNA Annual Conference in Chicago in 2009. Other presentation topics include care of renal patients, overview of kidney transplant program, catherization, geriatric syndromes, pain as a presenting factor in delirium, and care of the hospitalized patient with delirium. Vollmer has assisted with numerous other research projects on delirium and co-authored articles on delirium, fatigue, pain management, and catheterization.

As a member of a geographically large chapter, Vollmer coordinated monthly meetings and served many years as Regional Director for the Mississippi Valley Chapter. She is also a member of the American Nurses Association, Illinois Nurses Association, American Nephrology Nurses Association, Council of Nephrology Nurse Practice, and Sigma Theta Tau.

About Ardeth Hale

Ardeth Hale has been an association member since the inception of the American Urological Association Allied (AUAA) in 1972. She served in various capacities at the national level, including the roles of Secretary 1976-1978, Treasurer 1977-1981 and 1994-1995, President-Elect 1981-1982, President 1982-1983, and Past President 1983-1984. Ardeth also served as Western Section Representative and Director of Professional Relations, representing SUNA at the table of the National Federation of Specialty Nursing Organizations (now the Nursing Organizations Alliance). Ardeth served as SUNA historian (2002-2006) and began her service as the first chairperson of the newly formed SUNA Foundation in 2006. Ardeth is a role model, inspiration and positive influence for urologic nurses. She exemplifies outstanding leadership qualities demonstrated through her past and present involvement and contributions. She is a mentor to others, enhancing the growth and development of the association as well as the profession of nursing.