Perhaps nowhere are the qualities of caring professionalism, meaningful guidance and thoughtful advocacy more important than in the field of nursing.
For more than 20 years, Oakland University’s
School of Nursing has looked to cast the spotlight on individuals who exemplify the best of these attributes. In fact, more than 150 nurses have been honored during Nightingale Awards for Nursing Excellence events.
The 21st annual ceremony is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 5, at the San Marino Club in Troy, and the deadline to nominate the most dedicated stewards of nursing traditions for an award is drawing near. Exceptional nursing leaders who care for the sick, educate their families and the community, get involved in nursing advocacy and support charitable organizations are eligible.
Nurses will be recognized for administration, advanced nurse practice, education/research, long-term care/rehabilitation, nursing in the community, OU distinguished alumni, two staff practice and the People's Choice Award.
The latter award recognizes an individual nominated by a patient or patient's family member who felt the nurse greatly impacted the patient's life. To nominate a leading nurse for the People's Choice Award, nominators write a description of no more than two pages highlighting what the nurse did to make such a profound difference in their lives.
Nominations for other awards require individuals to submit a description of no more than six pages highlighting why a nurse deserves a particular award. All nominations are reviewed and rated by a committee comprised of nurses from various hospital affiliations, members of the School of Nursing Board of Visitors and the dean of the School of Nursing. Winners and runners-up will be contacted after judging is complete in mid-March.
Over the years, the Nightingale Awards for Nursing Excellence has grown significantly in terms of the number of nominations, sponsorships, tickets sold and silent auction items donated.
"It's hard to believe that the Nightingale Awards is celebrating 21 years of achievement this year," said Kathleen Van Wagoner, chief nurse executive at Crittenton Hospital Medical Center and Board of Visitors chair. "It is vital that we recognize those nurses who lead with integrity and compassion, who put in so much effort and time to care for the sick and injured. All of those nurses who are nominated and those who are chosen as a winner for their care deserve to be honored."
The nine winners and runners-up will be honored publicly at the 21st Annual Nightingale Awards in Nursing, as well as receive a solid bronze statue of Florence Nightingale, a $1,000 check and Nightingale pin. Runners-up will receive a plaque and pin.
Nominations will be accepted through Friday, Jan 30. For more information on how to nominate a nurse, visit the
Oakland University School of Nursing Web. Nominations should be submitted to Oakland University School of Nursing, Nightingale Nominations, Attn: Amy Holloway, 428 O'Dowd Hall, Rochester, MI, 48309. For more information on sponsorship, tickets or nominations, contact Amy Holloway at (248) 370-3799 or
hollowa2@oakland.edu.
