Writing Award Nominations
NNA Convention
Linda L. Lazure, PhD, RN
October 18, 2014
Disclosure
• Dr. Linda L. Lazure, PhD, RN has listed no
financial interest/arrangement that would be
considered a conflict of interest.
Objectives
• Identify key points in writing an award
nomination
• Practice writing a winning award nomination.
Why did I get asked to do this?
• I believe in recognizing folks
– District II Celebrate Nursing Brunch
– Board of Health Chair – community awards
– Associate Dean for Student Affairs - students
• Was always the person nominating faculty
• Made part of my job description
• I can’t say “no” to Terry Anderson and Lynnee
Pattrin
Example: 40 Under 40
• Describe specific significant or unique contributions the Nominee has
made to the nursing profession through leadership. (30 points).
• Provide information which describes specific contributions the Nominee
has made to the nursing profession by providing leadership in
community affairs, nursing professional organizations and/or has
assisted others to grow and develop in this area. (20 Points).
• Describe how the Nominee positively promotes and advances the
profession of nursing in the community (local/global) through
volunteerism or outreach efforts. (10 points)
•
Describe involvement in legislative work, policy development (10
points).
Example – 40 Under 40
• Specific significant or unique contributions to the
nursing profession through leadership. (30 points).
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Awards (e.g., NNA, teaching award from students)
Degrees (does not have to have a bunch)
Leadership positions (selected, elected, volunteered)
Contributions to practice, scholarly dissemination
NNA membership (professional organizations)
Example – 40 Under 40
• Specific contributions to the nursing profession by providing
leadership in community affairs, nursing professional
organizations and/or has assisted others to grow and
develop in this area. (20 Points).
• “This nominee is a member of [X], [Y], and [Z]. She was an invited
speaker at the 2013 Nebraska [X] conference. Her dedication and
activism related to assuring universal vaccinations illustrates her
potential to achieve positive population outcomes. While at [X],
she was an active leader working with various committees: RN
scheduling committee (minimize required bonus shifts); shared
governance Unit-based Council; education committee; task force
to eliminate central venous catheter infections via a floor wide
performance improvement project; linen committee’s green team
initiative to help eliminate 100k in costs; and a skin ulcer
prevention task force.”
Example – 40 Under 40
• Describe involvement in legislative work/
policy development (10 pts).
• “She has contributed to policy development
and outcome improvement in her workplaces
and in the community. She has lobbied and
written letters to her state senator regarding
removal of the IPA for NPs and for the
meningococcal vaccination mandate for 6-7th
graders. She is a rising star.”
Example: NNA Hall of Fame
• Memorial to legacy of nurses who have
brought honor to profession and Nebraska
• Sustained, lifelong contributions
• NNA/ANA member with NE connections
• Achievements value endures beyond lifetime
Past Hall of Fame Recipients
• Madeleine Leininger
• Barbara Braden
• Karen Martin
Example: NNA Awards
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Nurse of the Year
Outstanding Achievement in Nursing
Distinguished Service
Outstanding New Nurse
Outstanding Staff Nurse
Outstanding Nurse Educator
Nurse of the Year
• Outstanding achievement over 1 year period
• Must be directly involved in nursing:
– clinical practice,
– education,
– administrator
– research
• Have made a positive impact on quality of
nursing care or the nursing profession
NNA Awards
• Simple criteria:
• Please indicate why the nominee is deserving
of this NNA Award
• CV or resume may be attached, but is not
required
NNA OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
IN NURSING AWARD
• Achievement in nursing over a cumulative
number of years.
• Must be evidence of distinguished contribution
to nursing at the local, state, or national levels.
NNA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
• Nominee's service to the NNA at the state,
local, or national level.
NNA OUTSTANDING NEW NURSE
AWARD
• Outstanding achievement in nursing
• RN practicing for five years or less
since graduation from a basic nursing program
NNA OUTSTANDING STAFF NURSE
AWARD
• Achievement in nursing by a nurse providing
direct patient care.
• Recognized for nursing expertise provided in
a caring, professional manner.
NNA OUTSTANDING NURSE
EDUCATOR AWARD
• Achievement by a nurse whose primary role is
as an educator.
• Must be directly involved in patient education,
nursing education, continuing education
or staff development.
• Recognizes innovation and expertise in the
educator role.
Why don’t YOU write an award
nomination?
Objection: I can’t write well
enough
Objection: I don’t deserve it.
Objection: I was taught to never brag
Objection: I can’t suggest myself –
I’ll look pushy and not humble.
Objection: Someone else will
nominate that person.
I don’t have time
• Who does????
Tips for Writing Nominations
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Use the words found in the criteria
Make sure key phrases appear in nomination
Consult past nominations
Be concise and not flowery
Spellcheck! Proofread!
Have someone else critique what you wrote
Objection: I’ve never written a
nomination before
• Ever hear of self-efficacy?
• Bandura: Social Cognitive Theory
• http://psychology.about.com/od/theoriesofpersonality/a
/self_efficacy.htm
• “A person’s belief in his or her ability to succeed in a
particular situation”
• Once you have done anything once, it’s
easier to do it again!
You are going to write a nomination
now
• That will take away the “never done it”
excuse
• Pretend that you are nominating yourself
• Don’t be shy or falsely modest
• You won’t have to share this today
Specific contributions to the nursing
profession through leadership.
• Awards (e.g., NNA, practice award)
• Degrees (or not)
• Leadership positions (selected, elected,
volunteered)
• Contributions to practice, profession
• NNA membership (professional orgs)
So how do we get each other
recognized?
• Create more awards
• Pay attention to the current awards
– Google nursing, other organizations for awards
– Criteria
• Reflect back in narrative
• Use the same words
– Deadlines
• Just do it!
Does this person deserve an award?
• People need me…they depend on me. We’re
doing something important here.
• And knowing that gives me the energy to
carry the sack, lead the pack, and keep
coming back.
--Santa Claus
QUESTIONS?