NCANA Awards

Purpose

The purpose of the NCANA Awards Program is to formally recognize individuals and groups whose leadership, service, advocacy, humanitarian efforts, and professional excellence have advanced the mission of NCANA and strengthened the profession of nurse anesthesia in North Carolina.

This policy establishes eligibility criteria, nomination procedures, selection standards, and distinctions among awards to ensure consistency, transparency, and integrity in the recognition process.

Guiding Principles

All awards shall:

  1. Reflect the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of NCANA.
  2. Be granted based on merit and documented contributions.
  3. Maintain clear distinctions in purpose and scope.
  4. Uphold fairness, confidentiality, and avoidance of conflicts of interest.
  5. Preserve the prestige and integrity of each recognition.

Award Categories

  1. NCANA Achievement (NCANA Lifetime Achievement) Award
  2. NCANA Outstanding Service Recognition Award
  3. NCANA Public Relations Award
  4. NCANA Humanitarian Award
  5. NCANA Practitioner of the Year Award
  6. The President’s Award 

Nominations Process 

  1. Nominations may be submitted by any NCANA member in good standing.
  2. Self-nominations are permitted unless otherwise restricted by the Board.
  3. Nominations must include:
    1. Completed nomination form.
    2. Written statement outlining qualifications and impact.
    3. Supporting documentation (CV or resume, letters of support, measurable outcomes, service record, media/program materials, etc.).
  4. Nomination deadlines shall be established annually by the Nomination Committee. 

Nomination Committee 

  1. The Nomination Committee shall be appointed in accordance with NCANA governance structure.
  2. Committee members must disclose any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from discussion and voting when appropriate.
  3. The Committee shall review nominations using objective criteria aligned with this policy.
  4. Final recommendations shall be submitted to the NCANA Board of Directors for approval, except for the President’s Award. 

Selection Standards 

  1. Awards are based on merit, not tenure alone.
  2. Meeting minimum eligibility does not guarantee selection.
  3. The Committee may recommend no recipient in any category if standards are not met.
  4. Documentation of measurable impact is strongly encouraged. 

Presentation of Awards 

  1. Awards shall be presented at the NCANA Annual Meeting.
  2. Recipients may receive:
    1. Formal recognition from the Association.
    2. Commemorative award or plaque.
    3. Public acknowledgment through NCANA communications. 

Recordkeeping 

  1. A permanent record of award recipients shall be maintained by NCANA.
  2. Award descriptions and criteria shall be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with strategic priorities.