By Tucker Carden
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing Professor Carolynn Jones, DNP, MSPH, RN, CRN-BC, FAAN (BSN 1986, DNP 2013), is the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Clinical Research Nurse Award. This honor is given by the International Association of Clinical Research Nurses to a leader in clinical research nursing who exemplifies its mission to define, validate and advance the specialty practice and to support the professional development of registered nurses who directly or indirectly impact the care of the clinical research participant.
Jones has long been an active member of the IACRN. “I joined as soon as I realized it existed and being named the 2026 Distinguished CRN is a huge honor,” she said.
A two-time alum of the School, Jones serves as the Coordinator of the Master of Science in Nursing Clinical Research Management specialty track and CRM Certificate, in addition to her teaching duties. In 2018, she was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. In 2021, she was named as one of the School's 70 Visionary Leaders, recognizing outstanding graduates for exemplary service in nursing education and research. Jones, who previously served on the UAB School of Nursing Faculty from 2004 to 2014, returned to the School this year to lead the Clinical Research Management Pathway and Certificate.
“Since Florence Nightingale, CRNs have been leaders in clinical research management,” Jones said. “Now that the American Nurses Association has accepted it as a specialty practice and there is a certification pathway, our new MSN is a testament to the School’s leadership and vision. It is important that nurses know that this exciting career track exists.”
Jones will be recognized at IACRN’s annual conference in October.