Ascension St. Vincent Evansville nurse receives Award of Excellence in Practice

Fifteen years ago, Miranda walked through the doors of Ascension St. Vincent Evansville as a new Labor and Delivery nurse. Now, more than a decade later, she serves as a Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and is being recognized for her excellence in practice by both peers and the broader professional community.

Since 2016, Miranda Wahnsiedler, MSN, BS, AGCNS-BC, RNC-OB, C-ONQS, has served as a CNS, integrating evidence-based care, bedside presence and quality improvement into her daily practice at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville’s Level III Perinatal Center, as well as creating deep connections with others who share her passion for maternal and neonatal care.

One connection she mad was with Holly Jones from IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. In 2016 both nurses responded to the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) call for instructors for a new Obstetrical Patient Safety Program. This shared project turned into years of collaboration – teaching across Indiana and Illinois, shaping educational content, mentoring and driving statewide initiatives. When Holly witnessed the quiet leadership, dedication and vision for better care that Miranda strived for, she nominated her for the AWHONN Excellence in Practice Award. 

“Miranda's unwavering commitment to women’s health and her passion for improving care for moms and families make her an invaluable leader,” Julie Schnieders, MSN, CNP, Ascension St. Vincent Indiana VP of Women’s and Pediatric Care. “Her dedication, clinical expertise and heart for this work inspire those around her and help elevate care for women across our ministry.”

At this year’s AWHONN Convention, Miranda was honored to receive this award, validating everything for which she stands. “It reminds me of the power of professional organizations,” shared Miranda, “how they not only keep us current, but connected. I remember being in awe of previous winners at AWHONN’s Convention and never imagined I would be one of them.”

Looking ahead, Miranda’s goals are simple: to stay, to serve and to continue shaping the future of perinatal care. She remains committed to Ascension St. Vincent Evansville and the team she calls family. Whether teaching, mentoring or authoring educational programs, Miranda plans to continue guiding nurses through change, championing advocacy and strengthening the culture of improvement.