2026 Award Nominations

2026 NPAA Awards

The NPAA Awards provide an opportunity to give recognition to individual health care providers, educators, or advocates, the in-the-trenches team members, and the leaders who inspire, motivate, and empower others around them to make a difference in the lives of those for whom they provide care. In addition to nominations from colleagues, patients, administrators or co-workers, nurse practitioners are encouraged to nominate themselves. A review of the nominees will be completed by the NPAA Nominating Committee and presented to the Executive Committee for final approval.  All awardees will be notified prior to the Annual Conference. Nominations are due September 1, 2026.

Rising Star Award

Demonstrates excellence as an NP and has 5 or fewer years in practice.

• New grad to 5 years in practice as an NP
  
• Demonstrates clinical excellence
•  Innovative in approach to patient care and/or access to care and/or Health Policy and/or Leadership.
•  Active member of NPAA OR is an active member of a local NP affiliate
  
• Is licensed as a nurse practitioner in the State of Alabama
  

Preceptor of the Year Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize a Nurse Practitioner Preceptor who is committed to the excellence of clinical education of Nurse Practitioners through Preceptorship.

• Demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the clinical education of nurse practitioners.
  
• Serves as a role model for other nurse practitioners and the nursing profession in general.
  
• Active member of NPAA OR is an active member of a local NP affiliate
  
• Is licensed as a nurse practitioner in the State of Alabama
  
• Served as a Preceptor for at least three years.

NP Student Leadership Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize an NP student who is committed to the excellence of clinical practice.

• Excellence in academic performance.
  
• Demonstrates leadership through a formal or informal leadership role.
  
• Currently enrolled in a Nurse Practitioner program in Alabama.
  
• Active member of NPAA OR is an active member of a local NP affiliate
  
• Is a registered nurse in the state of Alabama
• Additional nomination requirement:  Letter of recommendations from two faculty members and/or NP preceptors

Outstanding Faculty Award

This award is designed to recognize an NP faculty member who is committed to the excellence of educating nurse practitioner students.

• Demonstrates excellence in academic performance.
  
• Demonstrates leadership within the University/College setting
  
• A resident of Alabama.
  
• Currently teaching in a four-year college within Alabama
  
• Is a certified nurse practitioner.
  

NP Advocacy Award

This award is designed to recognize an NP who has demonstrated outstanding advocacy efforts that have advanced the NP profession, improved patient care, and influenced health policy at the local, state, or national level. 

• Demonstrates initiative and leadership in advancing policies or legislation that support the NP role or improve patient care.
  
• Active Member of NPAA OR is an active member of a local NP affiliate
  
• Is a certified nurse practitioner.
  
  
  Information required for each nomination: