Commemoration of Professional Advancements

Awards & Scholarships

INACF is inviting nominations for nursing awards in below categories will be presented at INACF Nurses Week

The INCAF Recognition Awards Program celebrates exceptional accomplishments in bedside nursing, leadership, and academia, honoring contributions that reflect and advance the mission, vision, and values of INCAF. All award recipients will be recognized at the annual gala celebration in May 2026. Submission deadline March 31st, 2026.

Dr. Meriga was awarded the following certificate in recognition of sharing valuable knowledge and expertise on “The Role of the Cardiac Care Unit in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease” during the International Conference on Basic Life Support, held on September 27, 2025, and organized by Madanbhau Patil College of Nursing, Kavalapur, Sangli, Maharashtra, India.

Best Clinical Nurse

This award recognizes the nurse who have demonstrated excellence in patient care, exceptional dedication, skill, and significant contributions within their field. By providing recognition, this award aims to document and disseminate established best evidence based practices in clinical nursing.

Below are the criteria for nomination:

1. Excellence in Patient Care: Provides safe, compassionate, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive care and advocates for patients and families to ensure dignity and respect.

2. Clinical Expertise & Critical Thinking: Demonstrates strong clinical judgment and decision-making in complex situations, serves as a role model and resource for peers in clinical practice.

3. Professionalism & Ethical Practice: Upholds nursing standards, ethical principles, and organizational values by maintaining accountability, integrity, and respect in all interactions.

4. Teamwork & Collaboration: Works effectively with physicians, peers, and the entire multidisciplinary team by promoting a positive work environment.

5. Commitment to Learning & Innovation: Engages in continuous professional development and applies best practices toward quality improvement initiatives and innovative care solutions.

6. Leadership at the Bedside: Takes initiative to improve processes and patient outcomes and inspires others through mentorship and guidance.

7. Patient & Family Satisfaction: Demonstrates compassion, empathy by building trusting relationships with patients and families.

8. Community & Organizational Engagement: Actively participates in organizational committees, education, and community events by promoting outreach for the image of nursing within the hospital and community.

   Nominees are encouraged to focus on at least three to four of the above areas where they have made the most significant impact. Please fill out the form below to recognize the nominee.

Best Nurse Educator

This award recognizes the nurse educator who have demonstrated expert knowledge, passion for teaching, mentorship, and leadership to advance nursing education and empower the next generation of nurses. Nominees should hold a position that contributes to the education of staff, patients, or students, including roles in both service and academic settings.

Below are the criteria for nomination:

1. Excellence in Teaching & Instruction: Uses innovative, evidence-based teaching strategies and adapts teaching methods to diverse learning styles and levels. Inspires students to excel in both theory and practice.

2. Clinical & Theoretical Expertise: Demonstrates strong knowledge of nursing science and practice, bridges classroom learning with real-world clinical application.

3. Mentorship & Student Support: Serves as a mentor, role model, and advocate for students by providing individualized guidance, constructive feedback, and encouragement.

4. Curriculum & Program Development: Contributes to curriculum design, course improvement, and academic innovation. Ensures alignment with accreditation standards and healthcare trends.

5. Commitment to Professional Growth: Engages in lifelong learning, research, and professional development and incorporates emerging technologies into teaching.

6. Scholarly & Research Contributions: Publishes, presents, or participates in research related to nursing education or practice. Encourages students to engage in evidence-based practice and inquiry.

7. Leadership in Nursing Education: Actively participates in academic committees, policy development, or professional organizations. Advocates for excellence in nursing education and workforce development. Recognized for shaping future nursing leaders and advancing the profession.

   Nominees are encouraged to focus on at least three to four of the above areas where they have made the most significant impact. Please fill out the form below to recognize the nominee.

Best APRN

This award recognizes the best Advanced Practice Nurse that embodies clinical mastery, leadership, research, and advocacy—advancing and shaping both direct patient care and the nursing profession in the future of healthcare delivery.

Below are the criteria for nomination:

1. Clinical Expertise & Advanced Practice Skills: Demonstrates excellence in diagnosis, treatment, and management of complex health conditions and applies evidence-based practice to improve patient care outcomes.

2. Leadership in Patient Care: Serves as a leader in clinical practice, care coordination, and patient advocacy by promoting innovative models of care delivery.

3. Professionalism & Ethical Practice: Acts as a role model for professional practice and upholds the highest standards of nursing ethics, accountability, and integrity.

4. Patient-Centered Care: Builds strong, therapeutic relationships with patients and families. Advocates for holistic, culturally competent, and compassionate care.

5. Collaboration & Interdisciplinary Practice: Works effectively with physicians, nurses, and healthcare teams. Leads initiatives that promote teamwork and quality care.

6. Commitment to Research & Evidence-Based Practice: Integrates the latest research into clinical decision-making. Contributes to scholarly work, publications, or quality improvement projects.

7. Education & Mentorship: Provides education to patients, families, staff, or nursing students. Serves as a mentor and role model for nurses pursuing advanced practice degrees.

8. Community & Healthcare Impact: Engages in community outreach, health promotion, and advocacy. Demonstrates measurable impact on healthcare systems and population health.

   Nominees are encouraged to focus on at least three to four of the above areas where they have made the most significant impact. Please fill out the form below to recognize the nominee.

Emerging Nurse Leader

The Emerging Nurse Leader Award recognizes an individual nurse or an APRN with less than two years in a formal leadership role who has demonstrated vision, innovation, and meaningful impact on nursing leadership roles. This award honors those who demonstrate leadership potential and effectiveness in their leadership capacity.

Below are the criteria for nomination:

1. Early Leadership Impact: Demonstrates significant contributions to nursing leadership within a short timeframe. Shows initiative in leading projects, teams, or quality improvement efforts.

2. Vision & Innovation: Brings new ideas and creative solutions to improve patient care and workflows in nursing practice. Embraces innovation and leverages technology in healthcare.

3. Commitment to Professional Growth: Actively pursues mentorship, continuing education, and leadership development opportunities, and demonstrates eagerness to learn and adapt in dynamic healthcare environments.

4. Teamwork & Collaboration: Builds positive relationships with colleagues, physicians, and interprofessional teams. Inspires and motivates others through enthusiasm, support, and collaboration.

5. Communication & Influence: Demonstrates effective communication, advocacy, and conflict-resolution skills by gaining trust and respect from peers, patients, and supervisors.

6. Ethical & Professional Practice: Models integrity, accountability, and professionalism in leadership practice and upholds nursing standards and organizational values.

7. Quality & Patient Outcomes: Contributes to measurable improvements in patient care, safety, and satisfaction. Aligns leadership efforts with organizational goals and nursing excellence standards.

8. Potential for Future Leadership: Builds strong promise as a future leader in nursing and healthcare. Demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to advancing the profession.

   Nominees are encouraged to focus on at least three to four of the above areas where they have made the most significant impact. Please fill out the form below to recognize the nominee.

Exemplary Student Nurse

This Award highlights an exemplary student nurse who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement, professionalism, and made significant contributions to the nursing profession and community. This student nurse not only excels academically and clinically, but also embodies the spirit of nursing through leadership, service, and professionalism.

Below are the criteria for nomination:

1. Academic Excellence: Maintains high academic performance and mastery of nursing knowledge. Demonstrates strong clinical reasoning and application of theory to practice.

2. Clinical Competence: Provides safe, compassionate, patient-centered care in clinical settings. Demonstrates adequate clinical skills, accountability, and attention to detail in practice.

3. Professionalism & Ethical Practice: Models integrity, accountability, ethical decision-making, and upholds nursing standards and the values of caring, respect, and empathy.

4. Leadership & Initiative: Shows initiative in class, clinicals, and leads student organizations by example and motivating peers toward excellence.

5. Teamwork & Collaboration: Works effectively by demonstrating respect, communication, and cooperation with peers, faculty, and healthcare teams.

6. Commitment to Lifelong Learning: Seeks opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning. Engages in research, evidence-based practice, or scholarly activities when possible.

7. Community & Service Engagement: Participates in community service, outreach, or health promotion initiatives.

8. Positive Attitude & Resilience: Demonstrates enthusiasm, adaptability, and resilience in the face of challenges. Recognized by faculty and peers as a role model for perseverance and optimism.

   Nominees are encouraged to focus on at least three to four of the above areas where they have made the most significant impact. Please fill out the form below to recognize the nominee.