NOVA awards and honors individuals and/or groups who have made significant contributions to the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs, the nursing profession, the health care of Veterans, or in service to our country.  

The Call for Nominations period is now closed. Thank you.

All awards nominations must be submitted via NOVA's online submission forms. Click on the awards listed below for more information and to submit a nomination. Be sure to read each question carefully and provide a brief but descriptive response. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Current members of the NOVA Board of Directors are not eligible to receive awards.

If you have questions or require assistance, please contact Jessica Dougherty, Meeting Manager at jdougherty@vanurse.org. 

NOVA President's Award

The NOVA President's Award is a prestigious award presented to an individual who has made outstanding, significant contributions to advance the mission of NOVA. The nominee must be a current or former member of NOVA and must be nominated by a NOVA member or chapter. Current NOVA board members are not eligible for award.

Award criteria includes:

1. Active leadership roles within NOVA at the national or local level.
2. Significant contributions which advance the mission/vision/strategic plan of NOVA.
3. An innovative impact on VA facility/facilities.
4. Accomplishments that demonstrate the nominee's commitment and passion for the advancement of VA nurses.

Examples of each area must be addressed in the nomination.

LPN/LVN Excellence Award

The NOVA LPN/LVN Excellence Award is presented to a Licensed Professional/Vocational Nurse who has made an outstanding contribution to the nursing care of Veterans through excellence in clinical practice. The nominee must be a NOVA member and be nominated by a NOVA member or chapter. Current NOVA Board members are not eligible for award.

Award Criteria includes:

1. Supporting the implementation of evidence-based practice.
2. Serving as a role model who demonstrates excellence for other VA LPNs/LVNs.
3. Working with RNs and the health care team to provide outstanding care to Veterans.
4. Representing LPNs/LVNs through active membership with a facility committee and/or other nursing organization(s).
   

Examples of each criteria must be addressed in the nomination.

RN Excellence Award

The NOVA RN Excellence Award is presented to a Registered Nurse (clinical, administrative, consultant, novice to expert, etc.) who has made an outstanding contribution to the nursing care of Veterans through excellence in clinical practice. The nominee must be a NOVA member and be nominated by a NOVA member or chapter. Current NOVA Board members are not eligible for award.

Award Criteria includes:

1. Serving as a role model or mentor for other VA nurses.
2. Improving nursing care of the Veteran through implementation of best practices or evidence-based practice.
3. Serving as an advocate for Veterans' healthcare through the advancement of patient care, legislative action, or participation in local/VISN/national nursing activities.
   

Examples of each criteria must be addressed in the nomination.

APRN Excellence Award

The NOVA APRN Excellence Award is presented to an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who has made an outstanding contribution to the nursing care of Veterans through excellence in clinical practice. The nominee must be a NOVA member and be nominated by a NOVA member or chapter. Current NOVA Board members are not eligible for award.

Award criteria includes:

1. Demonstrating leadership in the development of APRNs or other VA nurses.
   
2. Demonstrating excellence in NP practice. 
3. Improving nursing care of the Veteran through implementation of best practices or evidence-based practice.
4. Serving as an advocate for Veterans' healthcare through the advancement of patient care, legislative action, or participation in local/VISN/national nursing activities.
   

Examples of each criteria must be addressed in the nomination.

Distinguished Chapter Award

The NOVA Distinguished Chapter Award is presented to an outstanding local NOVA chapter. NOVA chapters are the backbone of the organization. Members meet, share ideas, learn from educational speakers, share nursing stories and innovative ideas, plan legislative activities and carry on the work of NOVA. This award recognizes "grassroots" efforts by chapters.

The Chapter needs to be recognized by the NOVA National Office as an active chapter and must be nominated by a NOVA member. Chapters who have previously won this award in the last 10 years are not eligible to be nominated.

Award criteria include:

1. Hosting educational events for members.
2. Participating in legislative efforts and/or advocacy awareness.
3. Hosting chapter activities that support nursing recruitment and retention such as local Nurses Week activities, community involvement, articles in local newspapers, etc.
4. Demonstrating passion for NOVA.

Examples of each area must be addressed in the nomination.

Veterans Service Award

The NOVA Veterans Service Award is presented to an individual Veteran, group of Veterans, or an organization in recognition of dedication to improving the healthcare of Veterans through the demonstration of one or more of the following criteria. The nominee does not need to be a member of NOVA, but must be nominated by a NOVA member or chapter.

Award criteria includes:

1. Active participation with legislative issues which positively influence change.
2. Personal sacrifice through volunteerism with underserved groups of Veterans.
3. Active involvement with special interest groups who seek to improve the quality of healthcare for Veterans and/or support the elevation of the practice of nursing in the VA system.
   

Examples of each criteria must be addressed in the nomination.