Nurse Influencer Award

Recognizes an exemplary nurse who has influenced the science of nursing practice or care delivery system, a group/community/population (patient or other care providers), or the profession of nursing through education, advocacy, policy or practice.

Definition: Based on Merriam-Webster, an Influencer is "one who exerts influence, a person who inspires or guides the actions of others."

Geographic Scope: Illinois

Eligibility:

• Must be: A registered nurse currently practicing in any specialty in the state of Illinois
• Must be: An ANA-Illinois member OR nominated by an ANA-Illinois member
• Must demonstrate: Evidence of influence over the science of nursing practice or care delivery system, a group/community/population (patient or other care providers), or the profession of nursing through education, advocacy, policy or practice

Focus Areas:

• Influence on nursing practice and care delivery
• Community and population health advocacy
• Nursing education advancement
• Health policy influence
• Professional nursing advocacy
• Bilingual/bicultural nursing advancement
• Mentorship and professional development
• Service leadership

Award Status: Inaugural award presented in 2020; ongoing annual award

Example: 2020 winner Susan Gonzalez, MHA, MSN, RN, CNML, recognized for mentoring bilingual, bicultural Spanish-speaking nurses; serving as nurse educator, consultant, and adjunct faculty; advocating for public policy change; and serving on multiple boards and committees at local, state, and national levels

Application Process

Nomination Process:

• Nominees are submitted by others
• Must be ANA-Illinois member or nominated by ANA-Illinois member
• Nomination statement must provide evidence of nominee's influence

Required Documentation in Nomination:

• Demonstrated evidence of influence in one or more areas:
  • Science of nursing practice
  • Care delivery system
  • Group/community/population health
  • Patient or care provider outcomes
  • Health recovery or peaceful death support
  • Nursing education
  • Advocacy and policy change
  • Professional nursing advancement
• Examples of leadership roles and board service
• Examples of mentoring and professional development activities
• Community service and volunteer work
• Awards and recognition received
• Publications, presentations, or policy work

Submission: Contact ANA-Illinois for nomination procedures and deadlines