Cross Country Healthcare's Chief Nursing Officer Awarded 2006 R. Louise McManus Medal

Business Wire, Oct 13, 2006

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (Nasdaq:CCRN) announced today that Dr. Franklin A. Shaffer, EdD, RN, FAAN, the Company's Chief Nursing Officer, was awarded the distinguished R. Louise McManus Medal at a ceremony held in New York City on October 5, 2006.

The R. Louise McManus Medal is the highest award given by the Nursing Education Alumni Association of Teachers College at Columbia University. Named in honor of one of nursing's earliest leaders and one of Columbia University's most prominent faculty members and department chairs, this medal is given in recognition of nurses who have made a difference in the regulation of nursing and/or matters of common interest and concern affecting public health, safety and welfare. Individuals nominated for this award must meet the following criteria:

* Hold an advanced degree (master's or doctorate) in nursing

* Has provided a consistent, outstanding record of leadership within and to the broad nursing community

* Has consistently made contributions to the profession through publications, research, leadership in professional organizations, and excellence in education, practice or administration

* Has consistently made contributions to or acted to support the Department of Nursing Education at Teachers College

* Is a respected leader in the nursing profession

About Dr. Shaffer and Cross Country Healthcare

Dr. Franklin A. Shaffer, EdD, RN, FAAN is the Chief Nursing Officer of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. He has served in this capacity since November 2004 and served as President of the Education and Training Division from March 2001 to December 2004. He also served as Vice President in the Education Division since February 1996. Prior to joining the Company, Dr. Shaffer served as Chief Nursing Officer at several medical centers, Deputy Director for the National League for Nursing, and adjunct faculty in graduate nursing programs at Teachers College, Columbia University, Adelphi University and Hunter College. Dr. Shaffer holds a Doctorate of Education in Nursing Administration and a Master's of Education majoring in Nursing Administration and a Master's of Arts majoring in Nursing Administration and Adult Health from Teachers College, Columbia University. In 2002, Dr. Shaffer was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing.

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. is a leading provider of healthcare staffing services in the United States as well as a provider of human capital management services. The Company has a national client base of approximately 3,000 hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and other healthcare providers. Copies of this and other news releases as well as additional information about Cross Country can be obtained online at www.crosscountry.com. Shareholders and prospective investors can also register at the corporate website to automatically receive the Company's press releases, SEC filings and other notices by e-mail.

About R. Louise McManus (1896 - 1993)

R. Louise McManus made it her life's work to establish schools of nursing in colleges and universities in hopes that it would help the nursing profession evolve. In addition to establishing the Institute for Nursing Research at Teachers College, Columbia University, she pushed for a standardized national approach to nursing licensure by working determinedly with the state boards of nursing, state legislators and national nursing organizations. This standardization continues today, protecting patients nationwide to ensure they receive quality healthcare. In her quest as a patient advocate, McManus also developed a "Patient Bill of Rights," which was adopted by the Joint Commission in Accreditation of Hospitals. For her work in furthering the nursing profession, she was awarded the Columbia University Bicentennial Award, the Florence Nightingale International Red Cross Society Citation and Medal, and the Mary Adelaide Award for Leadership.

About NEAA Teachers College Columbia University

Nursing Education at Teachers College Columbia University began in 1899 when Isabel Hampton Robb was instrumental in establishing the first post-graduate nursing course in Hospital Economics. Later, the program became the Department of Nursing Education. Nurses from throughout the world studied at Teachers College (TC) and earned bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. The Nursing Education Alumni Association promotes nursing education of the highest quality at TC; supports nursing research initiatives; promotes networking among alumni; recognizes the achievements of alumni; and preserves and communicates the history of NEAA and nursing education at TC. Today, TC offers masters and doctoral programs in nursing and has the only program in the United States that offers a doctorate in nursing education (EdD).