National Association of Neonatal Nurses logo.

04 Awards

Honoring Neonatal Nursing Excellence

Each year, NANN recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals practicing in neonatal nursing. Whether they are clinical practitioners, educators, managers, or researchers, NANN is dedicated to honoring the achievements of those who are advancing the field of neonatal nursing. NANN chapters are also honored annually for what they accomplish on a local level. Award recipients are honored at NANN's Annual Conference. Specific information about each award can be found in the links below.

The nomination period for the 2024 Awards is March 25—May 24, 2024.

Apply Now

Individual Excellence Awards

APRN Excellence Award

The APRN Excellence Award honors the outstanding contributions made by an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) to the field of neonatal nursing through exemplary practice, leadership, service, and education.

APRN Rising Star Award

The APRN Rising Star Award is awarded to an individual who demonstrates a passion for their APRN practice, and is making a large impact early in his or her career through exemplary practice, leadership, service, and education.

Distinguished Service in NANN Award

The Distinguished Service in NANN Award recognizes outstanding and dedicated service to the association. The award honors an individual that has advanced the mission of NANN in a significant and lasting way.

Leadership Award

The recipient of the Leadership Award has an outstanding teaching ability, is able to mobilize and unify others for the improvement of neonatal care, and has a vision for the future practice of neonatal nursing.

Lifetime Achievement in Neonatal Nursing Award 

The Lifetime Achievement in Neonatal Nursing Award recognizes an individual's longstanding commitment to and profound impact on the field of neonatal nursing. This award may be presented to a NANN member, a non-NANN member, a non-nurse, or posthumously.

Mentor of the Year Award

The Mentor of the Year Award recognizes a NANN member who consistently demonstrates the power of mentoring. Recipients are clinically and technically proficient, demonstrate outstanding teaching and motivational ability, and willingly share their knowledge and experience with others.

RN Rising Star Award

The RN Rising Star Award is awarded to an individual who exemplifies passion for their work early in their career and is making a large impact in a short time through exemplary practice, leadership, service, and education.

Robyn Main Excellence in Clinical Practice Award

The Robyn Main Excellence in Clinical Practice Award is given in honor of Robyn Main, MSN RNC, to encourage and recognize neonatal nurses who provide exemplary direct patient care. 

Research Awards

NANN's Abstract Awards recognize the best abstracts in each award category submitted in the Annual Conference Call for Abstracts. 

Chapters Awards

Chapter awards highlight the successes of NANN's chapters in the categories of membership growth, percentage increase in revenue, educational offerings, advocacy, member engagement, and community outreach.