Circle of Excellence

Up to 25 individuals who exemplify excellence in high acuity and critical care nursing practice are chosen annually for a Circle of Excellence award.

View Current Recipients

Nominate an Exceptional Colleague by Sept. 15

Show your appreciation for an exceptional colleague with a Circle of Excellence nomination.

Who Is Eligible?

Circle of Excellence award nominees are current AACN members and are nominated by a colleague who is also a current AACN member. Self-nominations are not accepted. Each nominee meets the following criteria:

Provides data to reflect transformative thinking, structure and processes to address challenges and remove barriers

Models a healthy work environment: skilled communication, true collaboration, effective decision making and meaningful recognition. Managers demonstrate support of appropriate staffing and authentic leadership

Achieves measurable results that validate the impact of individual leadership contributions to organizational excellence, including influencing and mentoring

Simple Steps to Nominate

1Read the Circle of Excellence Award criteria and examples before you begin the application.
2Describe the nominee’s excellent outcomes, which exemplify excellence measured against the three criteria.
3Choose two people who share your enthusiasm — a leader and a colleague the nominee works with — who can also respond to the nominee’s excellence.
4Completed applications must be received (May 15 – Sept. 15). Nominations are reviewed by a volunteer selection committee, and notifications are sent by Dec. 31.