NCANA Practitioner of the Year Award

The NCANA Practitioner of the Year Award honors a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) who demonstrates exemplary excellence in the practice of nurse anesthesia. This award recognizes an individual whose contributions have advanced the profession through clinical practice, education, research, and/or leadership. Recipients exemplify the highest standards of patient care, professionalism, and ethical practice while making meaningful contributions to the delivery and advancement of anesthesia care in North Carolina.

Purpose:

To recognize outstanding professional excellence and impactful contributions to nurse anesthesia practice within a defined period or sustained phase of a career.

Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Current NCANA member in good standing.
  2. Actively practicing as a CRNA or serving in a role that directly supports anesthesia practice, education, or clinical excellence.
  3. Demonstrated contribution to the profession of nurse anesthesia in North Carolina.
  4. Cannot be currently serving on the NCANA BOD or the NCANA Nominating Committee.
  5. Must not have previously received the award.

Selection Criteria:

Nominees should demonstrate several of the following:

  1. Excellence in clinical practice and patient care.
  2. Commitment to patient safety and quality improvement.
  3. Contributions to education, mentorship, or professional development of students or CRNAs.
  4. Engagement in research, evidence-based practice, or innovation in anesthesia care.
  5. Leadership within their practice setting or professional community.
  6. Measurable impact on patient outcomes, clinical practice, or workforce development.

Key Distinctions:

  1. Focused on professional practice excellence, not solely service or public relations.
  2. May reflect recent or sustained contributions, but not necessarily a full career (distinguished from Lifetime Achievement).
  3. Broader in scope than “Outstanding Service,” incorporating clinical, educational, and professional impact.

Frequency:

Discretionary; not required to be awarded annually.

Information needed to submit a nomination for this award:

Section I: Nominee Information 

  • Full Name
  • Credentials
  • Employer/Position
  • Years as a CRNA
  • Phone
  • Email
  • NCANA Membership Status

Section II: Nominator Information

  • Full Name
  • Credentials
  • Relationship to Nominee
  • Phone
  • Email
  • NCANA Membership Status

Section III: Narrative Statement

Provide a detailed narrative (maximum 500 words) addressing how the nominee meets the criteria for this award. Include measurable outcomes, leadership roles, and specific impact.

Section IV: Supporting Documentation

  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume of Nominee
  • Letters of Support from NCANA Members (2)
  • Documentation of Impact or Outcomes
  • Media/Program Materials (if applicable)