How do I nominate someone for an AANP award?

AANP recognizes individuals at the state and national levels. Learn more

National Awards

These two awards — the Towers Pinnacle Award and Sharp Cutting Edge Award — honor individuals who have contributed significantly to the national recognition and advancement of NPs. 

Recipients may be an NP, nurse or non-nurse who has demonstrated exceptional belief and confidence in NPs and has shown efforts to advance the image, profile and visibility of NPs at the national or international level in three or more of the following areas:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in an organization at the national or international level that supports and promotes the NP profession.
• Impacted public policy issues clarifying the legislative and regulatory processes to the successful advancement of the NP profession.
• Succeeded in building strategic partnerships, coalitions or alliances that have increased public awareness of the NP profession.
• Utilized or leveraged technology, such as social media, to promote the value and advancement of the NP profession.
• Provided mentorship or guidance to meet the strategic priorities for a successful organization.
• Mentored others in the processes and techniques for successful use of technology to meet strategic priorities.
• Utilized innovative strategies to meet goals in national nursing organizations.
• Who is ineligible:
  • AANP elected leaders and staff (e.g. Board of Directors, Fellows Executive Committee, State Liaisons, Nomination Council and Awards Committee) cannot be nominated for the award.
  • Nominations that include groups and organizations cannot be submitted.

State Award for Outstanding Contributions

Individuals who have demonstrated excellence that supports the NP role at the state level are honored through the AANP State Award for Outstanding Contributions. AANP members may submit nominations online through the AANP website for an AANP member or non-member who demonstrates excellence in alignment with the mission and goals of AANP in the areas of practice, education, advocacy, research or leadership (PEARL).

Nominees are eligible provided they meet the following criteria: 

• Serves as a role model for professionalism and ethical approach in the health care setting and in community service.
• Demonstrates a positive impact on health care delivery by fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Succeeds in building strategic partnerships, coalitions or alliances that have contributed to improved health care outcomes for individuals, families or communities.
• Supports education by presenting at conferences, publishing and/or precepting students.
• Engages in advocacy as a leader in policy issues in the legislative or regulatory arena that affect the NP role.
• Utilizes or generates evidence-based research to enhance the quality-of-care NPs provide to patients, families or communities. 
• Has taken part in research that has influenced health care outcomes.
• Mentors NPs and other stakeholders in health policy, practice or education.

Nominations are only eligible for individuals (groups/organizations cannot be nominated). Previous State Award recipients can only be eligible for nomination after five (5) years have lapsed from receiving an award. AANP elected leaders and staff (e.g. Board of Directors, Fellows Executive Committee, State Liaisons, Nomination Council and Awards Committee) cannot be nominated for the award.