BSN Awards

All graduating BSN nursing students (TBSN, ABSN and RN-to-BSN) are encouraged to apply for awards for which they qualify. Depending on graduation, RN-BSN students can apply for the spring or summer award cycle.

BSN Awards: Care Boldly

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.

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).

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.

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.

BSN Awards: Lead Boldly

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.

BSN Awards: Inspire Boldly

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.

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.

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:

• A faculty or research advisor recommendation letter attesting to your contributions to evidence-based practice and commitment to advancing nursing care through research integration.
• 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.

BSN Awards: Care, Lead and Inspire Boldly

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.

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 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.

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.

DNP Awards

All graduating DNP nursing students in the spring, summer or fall 2026 terms are encouraged to apply for awards for which they qualify.

DNP Awards: Care Boldly

The Excellence in Nursing Advocacy & Impact Award

The Excellence in Nursing Advocacy & Impact Award recognizes a DNP student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving patient-centered care, health equity, and holistic approaches in nursing practice. This student’s work, including their DNP project and clinical practice, directly enhances healthcare outcomes, fosters compassionate care, and addresses disparities within communities.

Eligibility Criteria:

Be a graduating DNP student in the UF College of Nursing.

Application Requirements:

• A faculty or agency recommendation letter from a clinical leader, faculty mentor, or healthcare professional who can attest to the student’s contributions to advocacy and impact in nursing practice.
• A detailed description of the DNP project, including key dates, sponsoring agency, or supervising faculty.
• A narrative statement (250 words or less) addressing:
  • The significance of their DNP project in advancing patient advocacy, health equity, or holistic nursing care.
  • The real-world impact of their work on healthcare communities, underserved populations, or vulnerable groups.
  • How their DNP project and future practice will continue to promote compassionate care and equitable healthcare access.

The Excellence in Nursing Advocacy & Impact Award will be presented at the College of Nursing Research Summit, honoring the recipient’s commitment to caring boldly in nursing practice.

Excellence in Community Service Award

The Excellence in Community Service Award recognizes a graduating DNP student who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community service, improving health outcomes or addressing social determinants of health in their local or global communities. This award celebrates the recipient’s impact on advancing patient care and community health through service.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a graduating DNP student in the UF College of Nursing.

Application Requirements:

• A narrative statement (250 words or less) describing:
  • Leadership roles in at least two community service activities, detailing the scope of involvement, project goals, and outcomes.
  • Specific dates, sponsoring agencies, and any relevant community or healthcare settings.
• A faculty or agency letter of support highlighting the student’s contribution to improving community health or engagement in service activities.

The Excellence in Community Service Award will be presented at the College of Nursing Research Summit, celebrating the student’s commitment to caring boldly within the community.

DNP Awards: Lead Boldly

Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award

The Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award honors a DNP student whose leadership has driven positive transformation in healthcare through academic, clinical, or community-based initiatives. This student demonstrates exceptional leadership skills, inspires peers and colleagues, and advocates for systemic change in nursing practice and healthcare delivery.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a graduating DNP student in the UF College of Nursing.

Application Requirements:

• A narrative statement (250 words or less) outlining:
  • Specific leadership activities undertaken by the student, with a focus on their role in transforming healthcare practice, policy, or systems.
  • The impact of their leadership at the college, university, or community level.
  • Contributions to mentorship, collaboration, and advocacy in nursing or healthcare.
• A faculty or agency letter of support attesting to the student’s leadership and the positive impact of their efforts in advancing nursing practice and healthcare transformation.

The UF College of Nursing Leadership Award will be presented at the College of Nursing Research Summit, honoring the recipient’s bold leadership in driving change within healthcare.

DNP Awards: Inspire Boldly

Excellence in Advancing Nursing Practice Award

The Excellence in Advancing Nursing Practice Award recognizes a DNP student whose scholarly work and DNP project have significantly impacted clinical nursing practice, healthcare delivery, or patient outcomes. This student exemplifies the potential of nursing scholarship to improve healthcare systems and nursing practice on a broad scale.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a graduating DNP student in the UF College of Nursing.

Application Requirements:

• A narrative statement (250 words or less) addressing:
  • The focus of their DNP project, including specific goals, key findings, and practical implications for nursing practice.
  • The impact of the project on improving patient care, clinical practice, or healthcare systems.
  • The dissemination efforts of their work (e.g., publications, presentations, implementation in clinical settings).
  • Future directions and goals for advancing nursing practice.
• A faculty or agency letter of support confirming the student’s contributions to advancing practice and the impact of their DNP project.

The Excellence in Advancing Nursing Practice Award will be presented at the College of Nursing Research Summit, honoring the student’s role in inspiring boldly through innovative contributions to nursing practice.

DNP Awards: Care, Lead and Inspire Boldly

Excellence in Nursing Scholarship Award

Presented to a DNP student who exemplifies all three values—caring, leading, and inspiring boldly—through their nursing practice. The recipient has demonstrated outstanding contributions that drive meaningful change in healthcare through their DNP project.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a graduating DNP student in the UF College of Nursing.
• Must meet the criteria for Care, Lead, and Inspire Boldly awards.

Application Requirements:

• A faculty recommendation letter attesting to the student’s excellence in nursing scholarship, leadership, and advocacy.
• A comprehensive project portfolio, including key research, implementation strategies, and leadership initiatives.
• A narrative statement (250 words or less) addressing:
  • How their work embodies the values of care, leadership, and inspiration in nursing.
  • The broad impact of their DNP project on healthcare practice, patient outcomes, or policy.
  • Future aspirations in advancing nursing scholarship and leadership.

The Excellence in Nursing Scholarship Award will be presented at the College of Nursing Research Summit, honoring the recipient’s outstanding contributions across all three domains.

One awardee will be honored at the UF College of Nursing pinning ceremony.