The Professional Nursing Awards celebrate and recognize individual nurses who excel in the areas of leadership, practice, education, and community service. The Center for Nursing Excellence believes nurses deserve to be recognized for their exceptional contributions to the profession of nursing. We encourage everyone to submit a nomination for one or more of the following Professional Nursing Recognition Award categories:
Printable Flyer for Professional Nursing Awards 2026
Professional Nursing Awards:
- Betty Casali Transformational Leadership
- Advancement of Nursing Practice
- Excellence in Nursing Education
- Outstanding Community Service
- Excellence in Advanced Practice
Hospital Week Awards:
Nomination Process:
- Please select the award above to access the guidelines and nomination form. Supportive information may be attached and is encouraged.
- Deadline to submit nominations and supportive information is Friday, March 19, 2026.
IMPORTANT: Nominations will not be accepted after this date. NO EXCEPTIONS
AWARDS CELEBRATION:
The Center for Nursing Excellence announced the award winners and celebrate all award nominees on May 6, 2026.
Winners of the 2026 Professional Nursing Awards, Front row: Outstanding Community Service – Morgan Newsom, RN, Nurse Educator, COM OB/GYN ACWIH Community Health; Betty Casali Transformational Leadership – Lavonia Walker, RN, Assistant Nursing Director for PeriOp Service Patient Care; Excellence in Advanced Practice – Paulette Sheagren, APRN, Behavioral Health. Back row: Advancement of Nursing Practice – Ashley Tally, RN, UAMS East – Helena; Excellence in Nursing Education – Sarah Sixbey, RN, Nurse Educator, Maternal and Mobile Health.