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Honouring the people
who make nursing count

Nominations are now open for the 24 Nursing Excellence Award 2026. The awards recognise nurses, educators, students and institutions who have gone above and beyond in patient care, teaching, advocacy and community service, in India and around the world.

Know someone who deserves to be recognised? Nominate them today. You can also nominate yourself.

Nurses Award Eligibility Criteria

General Eligibility Criteria

  • This award is open to Malayali nurses only, and eligible nursing colleges for the nomination Best Nursing College Catagory must be from Kerala only.
  • The nominee must possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc. Nursing) from a recognized institution OR a General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) qualification from a recognized institution.
  • The nominee should demonstrate professional excellence, ethical practice, and commitment to nursing service.
  • The nominee must hold a valid nursing registration.
  • The nominee must not have any proven professional misconduct, disciplinary action, or criminal conviction related to professional practice.
  • Self-nomination is permitted, unless otherwise specified under a particular award category.
  • All required supporting documents must be submitted along with the nomination form.

Category-wise Eligibility Criteria

1. Nurse of the Year Award

Title suggestions are available and will be discussed during the meeting.

  • Minimum 5 years of nursing experience.
  • Demonstrated excellence in patient care, professionalism, ethical practice, and nursing service.
  • Evidence of leadership, teamwork, mentoring, or contribution to healthcare quality improvement will be preferred.

2. Best College of Nursing Award

The institution will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
  • Academic results and overall performance
  • Infrastructure and facilities
  • KNMC/University affiliation and recognition
  • Research activities and achievements
  • Measures taken to strengthen academic and clinical departments
  • Staff and student welfare initiatives
  • Accreditation status, quality assurance, and grading
  • Extension activities and social commitment initiatives
  • Community service and outreach activities
  • Career guidance and placement support
  • Overall contribution to nursing education and professional development

3. Outstanding Nurse Educator Award

  • Minimum 3 years of experience in nursing education or clinical teaching.
  • Active involvement in teaching, mentoring, curriculum development, or student training.
  • Evidence of educational innovation, academic contribution, or positive impact on students will be preferred.

4. Voice of Nursing Award (Nursing Influencer)

  • Active contribution to public awareness, nursing advocacy, professional development, or health education through digital, community, academic, or professional platforms.
  • Demonstrated positive influence on the nursing profession and society.
  • Professional and ethical conduct on public platforms is mandatory.

5. Best Newcomer Nurse Award

  • Nursing experience of not more than 2 years from the date of registration or first appointment.
  • Demonstrated enthusiasm, professionalism, commitment, and early-career achievements.
  • Evidence of meaningful contribution to patient care, teamwork, or nursing service will be preferred.

6. Outstanding Student Nurse Award / Student Nurse Excellence Award / Rising Star in Nursing Award

  • The nominee must be currently enrolled in a recognized nursing programme.
  • Demonstrated good academic standing and satisfactory clinical performance.
  • A recommendation from the nursing institution is required.
  • Evidence of leadership, extracurricular activities, community service, or contribution to the nursing profession will be considered.

7. Best Overseas Indian Nurse Award

  • The nominee must be an Indian nurse currently practicing and employed outside India.
  • Minimum 2 years of overseas nursing experience.
  • Demonstrated professional contribution, leadership, mentoring, innovation, or community service in the country of practice.
  • Evidence of professional achievements and contributions must be provided.

8. AIMNA Social Commitment Award

  • Significant contribution to community health, social service, public health initiatives, charitable activities, disaster relief, or health awareness programmes.
  • Contributions may be voluntary, professional, or a combination of both.
  • Documentary evidence demonstrating the social impact of the nominee’s contribution is required.

Jury Panel & Final Decision

All nominations will be evaluated by the appointed Jury Panel, and the decision of the Jury Panel will be final and binding.