Deadline: March 28
CARE BOLDY CATEGORY
Excellence in Nursing Care Award
The UF College of Nursing Award for Excellence in Nursing Care is awarded to students who have demonstrated their aptitude for providing high-quality, compassionate patient care and consistently exhibit professionalism, communication, and patient advocacy. This award recognizes a student who integrates clinical knowledge, empathy, and a holistic approach to nursing care.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Be a graduating BSN or RN-BSN student.
• Submit the following with your award application:
- A narrative statement (250 words or less) describing how your application demonstrates “care” characteristics, including patient-centered care, advocacy, and professional conduct.
- A faculty recommendation letter endorsing your “care” characteristics.
One awardee from each program will be honored at the UF College of Nursing pinning ceremony.
Excellence in Community Service Award
The Excellence in Community Service Award recognizes students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to service and positively impacted the community through exceptional volunteerism and outreach. This award honors students who have gone above and beyond in serving others through healthcare-related initiatives, advocacy, or broader community engagement. The recipient embodies the spirit of nursing by demonstrating compassion, leadership, and a dedication to addressing the needs of populations outside the clinical setting.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Be a graduating BSN or RN-BSN student.
• Submit the following with your award application:
- A narrative statement (250 words or less) describing how you have demonstrated leadership and impact in at least two community service activities, highlighting your role, contributions, and the difference made.
- A faculty recommendation letter endorsing your commitment to community service and leadership in outreach efforts.
- A description of community service activities, including dates, sponsoring agency or organization, and mentor (if applicable).
One awardee from each program will be honored at the UF College of Nursing pinning ceremony.
Outstanding Clinical Excellence Award (Faculty nominated)
The Outstanding Clinical Excellence Award recognizes a graduating BSN or RN-BSN student who has demonstrated exceptional clinical skills, critical thinking, and professionalism in the clinical setting. This award honors a student who consistently exhibits technical proficiency, sound clinical judgment, and excellence in patient care. Faculty nominate students who have distinguished themselves through outstanding clinical performance, leadership in patient care, and a commitment to evidence-based practice.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a graduating BSN or RN-BSN student.
- Faculty nomination required—students may not self-nominate.
- Faculty must submit the following:
- A nomination statement (250 words or less) describing how the student has demonstrated clinical excellence, including technical proficiency, clinical judgment, and patient-centered care.
- Specific examples of how the student has excelled in clinical practice.
One awardee from each program will be honored at the UF College of Nursing pinning ceremony.
Outstanding Peer Support Award (Peer nominated)
The Outstanding Peer Support Award honors a graduating BSN student who has demonstrated exceptional kindness, mentorship, and support for their classmates. This student has made a meaningful impact on their peers by offering academic assistance, emotional encouragement, and guidance throughout the nursing program. Whether through tutoring, study groups, mentorship, or simply being a reliable source of motivation, this student embodies the spirit of peer support and camaraderie.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a graduating BSN or RN-BSN student.
- Peer nomination required—students may not self-nominate.
- Peers must submit the following:
- A nomination statement (250 words or less) describing specific ways the nominee has provided peer support, including examples of mentorship, academic assistance, emotional encouragement, or other impactful actions.
- At least one additional peer testimonial (optional but encouraged) reinforcing the nominee’s contributions and impact on fellow students.
One awardee from each program will be honored at the UF College of Nursing pinning ceremony.
LEAD BOLDY CATEGORY
Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award
The Excellence in Leadership Award recognizes a BSN or RN-BSN student demonstrating outstanding leadership abilities in their nursing practice, school, or community. The recipient can influence others, take initiative, and lead by example, inspiring others to perform at their best and create positive changes in the healthcare environment.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Be a graduating BSN or RN-BSN student.
• Submit the following with your award application:
- A narrative statement (250 words or less) describing how you’ve demonstrated leadership in your nursing career, school, or community.
- A faculty or peer recommendation letter endorsing your leadership qualities.
One awardee from each program will be honored at the UF College of Nursing pinning ceremony.
INSPIRE BOLDY CATEGORY
Excellence in Inspiring Others Through Nursing Award
The UF College of Nursing Inspire Award recognizes a graduating BSN or RN-BSN student who has demonstrated an exceptional ability to uplift, encourage, and motivate others. This student embodies the spirit of inspiration by fostering a culture of support, resilience, and excellence among their peers. Through their leadership, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the nursing profession, they have empowered others to overcome challenges, stay dedicated to their goals, and grow personally and professionally.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a graduating BSN or RN-BSN student.
- Submit the following with your award application:
- A narrative statement (250 words or less) describing how you have inspired and encouraged others through leadership, mentorship, motivation, or resilience.
- A faculty letter of support attesting to your positive influence and inspirational impact.
One awardee from each program will be honored at the UF College of Nursing pinning ceremony.
Excellence in Research Award
The Excellence in Research Award recognizes graduating students who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to original research, critical inquiry, and the advancement of nursing knowledge. This award honors a student who has engaged in meaningful research activities, contributed to scientific inquiry, and shown exceptional promise in evidence-based practice and scholarly dissemination. The recipient exhibits a strong commitment to improving healthcare outcomes through research and demonstrates the potential to shape the future of nursing science.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a graduating BSN student.
- Submit the following with your award application:
- One faculty recommendation letter from an active researcher attesting to your research contributions and potential.
- A detailed description of research activities, including project focus, involvement dates, and sponsoring agency or supervising mentor.
- A narrative statement (250 words or less) outlining your research focus, dissemination efforts, impact on nursing practice, and future research aspirations.
One awardee will be honored at the UF College of Nursing pinning ceremony.
Excellence in Evidence-Based Practice Award
The Excellence in Evidence-Based Practice Award honors a graduating RN-BSN student who is committed to integrating evidence-based practice (EBP) into nursing care. This student exemplifies the ability to bridge research and practice by critically evaluating and applying the latest scientific evidence to improve patient outcomes, enhance clinical processes, and contribute to advancing nursing practice. Their dedication to innovation, critical thinking, and continuous learning ensures that patient care remains informed, effective, and patient-centered.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a graduating RN-BSN student.
- Submit the following with your award application:
- A narrative statement (250 words or less) describing how you have successfully incorporated evidence-based practice into your clinical setting, decision-making, or patient care approach.
- A faculty or research advisor recommendation letter attesting to your contributions to evidence-based practice and commitment to advancing nursing care through research integration.
One awardee will be honored at the UF College of Nursing pinning ceremony.
CARE, LEAD, AND INSPIRE BOLDY CATEGORY
Exemplary RN to BSN Student Award
The Exemplary RN to BSN Student Award recognizes an outstanding RN to BSN student who exemplifies the core values of compassionate care, leadership, and inspiration within the nursing profession. This award is dedicated to a student who has demonstrated exceptional skill in integrating their clinical experience with advanced academic learning and who has made a meaningful impact within their nursing community and peers during their time in the RN to BSN program. The recipient of this award has exhibited a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care while serving as a role model and leader for others in the program.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Be an RN to BSN student in the final semester of coursework.
• Submit the following with your award application:
- A narrative statement (250 words or less) describing how you have exemplified caring, provided leadership, and/or inspired others in delivering client care and/or in the role of a nursing student during your time in the College of Nursing RN to BSN program.
- A faculty recommendation letter of support from a College of Nursing faculty member who worked closely with you during your RN to BSN program demonstrates your growth, leadership, and dedication to nursing.
One awardee will be honored at the UF College of Nursing pinning ceremony.
Exemplary BSN Student Award
The Exemplary BSN Student Award is bestowed upon a graduating BSN student who has shown an exceptional commitment to the ideals of nursing practice, academic excellence, and leadership within the nursing community. This award honors a student who consistently demonstrates the ability to provide compassionate, high-quality patient care, while also inspiring others and contributing meaningfully to the nursing profession. The recipient of this award has exhibited an unwavering dedication to patient advocacy, professional conduct, and the ability to lead by example in both academic and clinical settings.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Be a graduating BSN student.
• Submit the following with your award application:
- A narrative statement (250 words or less) describing how your application demonstrates caring, provided leadership, and/or inspired others in delivering client care and/or in your role as a nursing student throughout your time in the College of Nursing BSN program.
- A faculty recommendation letter of support from a College of Nursing faculty member who has worked with you during your BSN program, highlighting your professional growth, leadership, and impact on the nursing community.
One awardee will be honored at the UF College of Nursing pinning ceremony.