Recognition Awards

Nomination Process

Each year, the ACHNE Awards Committee seeks nominations for the following six awards, to be presented at the annual ACHNE conference. 

1. Outstanding Contributions to Community/Public Health Nursing Education
2. Outstanding Contributions to Community/Public Health Nursing Practice
3. Outstanding Contributions to Community/Public Health Nursing Research
4. Outstanding Service to ACHNE
5. Outstanding Contributions to Advancing Health Equity
6. Outstanding Masters Graduate Student in Community /Public Health Nursing
7. Outstanding Doctoral Graduate Student in Community /Public Health Nursing
8. Outstanding Baccalaureate Student in Community Health/Public Health

This is a wonderful way to honor ACHNE members and current students (who do not need to be a member) who are deserving of special recognition. The nomination process is simple.  Keep scrolling to view the Award Criteria.

Nomination Guidelines 

1. Both the awards nominator and nominee must be current ACHNE members at the time of nomination for Member Awards. The nominee must have been a member of ACHNE for the previous 12 months. Current members of the Board of Directors are not eligible.  Student nominees do not need to be a member of ACHNE.
2. Place the nominee’s name, a brief reason for the nomination, and the nominee’s e-mail address in the survey. We will do the rest to investigate the nominee's information.  This investigation will include collecting a curriculum vitae or resume of the nominee (not applicable for student awards), sponsorship letters, and membership verification.  Nomination materials are not considered complete and will not be reviewed without both a completed nomination form and a curriculum vitae.

Submit your nomination by March 1, 2026!
Submit Your Nominations

 ACHNE Awards Nomination Evaluation Rubric 2026

ACHNE MEMBER Award Criteria

Open to ALL ACHNE Members.

Outstanding Contributions to Community/Public Health Nursing Education

1. Contribution to the development of curricula by innovative ideas, teaching methods, projects, programs, or application of theory/research.
2. Outcome has contributed to change in education programs, curricula, or courses that have enhanced community/public health nursing education.
3. Work has been disseminated for use by others.
4. Recognized contributions to ACHNE.
5. Current ACHNE member at the time of nomination. Nominees who are not current ACHNE members will not be considered.

Outstanding Contributions to Community Health/Public Health Nursing Practice

1. Contribution to practice through the development of innovative ideas, interventions, program protocol, practice guides, or application of theory/research.
2. Outcome has contributed to change in practice and/or improved community health of clients.
3. Work has been disseminated for use by others.
4. Recognized contributions to ACHNE.
5. Current ACHNE member at the time of nomination. Nominees who are not current ACHNE members will not be considered.

Outstanding Contributions to Community/Public Health Nursing Research

1. Originality of contribution to the health of clients.
2. Dissemination of research in relevant venues including peer-review journals and professional presentation.
3. Contributions of research to knowledge in the field.
4. Recognized contributions to ACHNE.
5. Current ACHNE member.

Outstanding Contributions to Advancing Health Equity 

1. Contribution to development of curricula and/or projects that address structural health inequities and/or disparities in the profession, health systems, or communities.
2. Outcome has contributed to change in educational programs, curricula, or courses that have enhanced community/public health nursing education and/or community/public health practice.
3. Work has been disseminated for use by others.
4. Current ACHNE member for previous twelve months at time of nomination. Nominees who are not current ACHNE members will not be considered.
5. Recognized contributions to ACHNE.

Outstanding Service to ACHNE

1. Demonstrated qualities of personal leadership.
2. Substantial contributions to the association’s growth, recognition, and organizational effectiveness.
3. Promotion of activities that advanced the goals of ACHNE.
4. Current ACHNE member.

Student Award Criteria

Open to all students sponsored by a current ACHNE member.

Outstanding Doctoral Graduate Student in Community /Public Health Nursing

1. Original/creative paper, project, thesis, or dissertation with abstract or detailed including description and evidence of admission in a doctoral program.
2. Nominee’s potential for affecting education, practice, and/or research.
3. Does not need to be an ACHNE member.
4. Potential for leadership in ACHNE.

Outstanding Masters Graduate Student in Community /Public Health Nursing

1. Original/creative paper, project, thesis, or dissertation with abstract or detailed including description and evidence of admission in a master's program.
2. Nominee’s potential for affecting education, practice, and/or research.
3. Does not need to be an ACHNE member.
4. Potential for leadership in ACHNE

Outstanding Baccalaureate Student in Community Health/Public Health

1. Contribution to practice through the development of innovative ideas, interventions,or programming through educational, service, or work opportunities.
2. Nominee’s potential for affecting practice and/or improving community health.
3. Does not need to be an ACHNE member.
4. Potential for leadership in community/public health nursing.

Submit your nomination by March 1, 2026!
Submit Your Nominations

Awards History