Excellence in Nursing Practice

This award is presented to a nurse who demonstrate excellence in psychiatric nursing practice. Nominees must demonstrate excellence in all four major categories of practice: Nursing knowledge, Clinical decision-making, Professional accountability and responsibility; and Application of research.

Nominees must also demonstrate excellence in at least four of the following areas:

• Demonstrates outstanding abilities in the delivery of holistic care
• Fosters a healthy culture of respect, integrity and collegiality within the health-care team
• Actively advocates for patients and families and for the care provided to them
• Demonstrates initiative in influencing positive changes in care delivery using evidence based practice
• Demonstrates leadership in the development and implementation of programs for patients, families and/or community
• Incorporates and shares learning gained through professional development into their practice setting

Nominees must also meet all the following general criteria:

• Demonstrates excellence as a professional nurse consistently
• Demonstrates responsibility for own professional development on a consistent basis
• Participates in the activities of professional, health-related organizations outside of own agency (not required as part of employment)
• Demonstrates innovative and progressive ideas in nursing
• Acts as a role model and mentor
• Demonstrates excellence in interpersonal relationships and communication skills