A Look at the May 2026 Winner for the Advancement of Nursing Practice Award
Ashley Tally, RN, UAMS East – Helena
(summary of her nomination) Ashley Tally played a pivotal role in implementing the Healthy Steps program as a pediatric nurse educator, integrating developmental care into everyday clinical practice. She conducts developmental assessments, collaborates closely with providers, and creates supportive, child-friendly environments that strengthen both care delivery and family engagement. Ashley’s advocacy significantly reduced wait times for autism evaluations from over a year to just a few months while also decreasing travel burdens for families. She works tirelessly to support parents, address barriers, and ensure children receive timely interventions and resources. Her efforts have led to increased patient volume, improved compliance with well-child visits, and lasting improvements in outcomes for children and families.
Ashley’s impact extends far beyond program implementation—she has transformed access to care for children and families across her community. Through her persistence and advocacy, wait times for critical developmental evaluations dropped dramatically, while travel barriers were reduced, making care more accessible for families who need it most. She has helped identify children with developmental concerns earlier, ensuring they receive timely interventions that can change the course of their lives. Her support for families goes beyond the clinic, as she helps navigate stigma, coordinates resources, and follows through every step of the way. Ashley’s dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment have not only improved outcomes but set a powerful example for the future of nursing practice.
A look back at past winner
The Advancement of Nursing Practice Award recognizes outstanding accomplishment in a field of practice, education, or research and demonstrates the interdependence of these elements and their significance for the improvement of nursing and health care. This nurse also:
- Understands the importance of partnering with patients/families/staff for quality and safety.
- Able to show a change or improvement in nursing by introducing new and creative ideas, devices or methods that have increased efficiency, effectiveness and /or a desirable outcome.
- Be able to show a plan, with coordinated activities, that leads from a concept to a finished product, in one (1) of the following categories:
- Quality / Performance / Process Improvement
- Evidenced-based Practice
- Research
- Issue/Idea Referral/Innovation
Nomination Requirements
- Must be a registered nurse
- The project outcome must have been realized within the past 12 months. Project work could have begun within the previous two (2) years.
Nomination Process
- Complete online application below in its entirety relating to the nurse you are nominating. If you have any supportive information in the area provided in the nomination form, please attach it. NOTE: Nominations will not be accepted after the closing date.
- The nominator may request from the nominee evidence, based on one of the innovation categories; Quality, Research, Evidenced-based Practice and/or Issue Referral. This could include, but not limited to, project charter, abstracts, PDSA, protocol’s, published work, presentations, awards and/or a copy of portfolio content the nominee may already have available. Award committee must be able to validate evidence to support story if needed.
Selection Process
- Nominations, that meet criteria, will be blinded and reviewed by the Awards Committee. The Awards Committee will select winners based only on the information provided in the nomination and supportive information.
- Nominees who meet the criteria, as well as the selected winner, will be celebrated during annual Professional Nursing Awards ceremony.
Click here to view past nomination example.