Awards and Scholarships

Awards

Each year, the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists recognizes individual members and affiliates who, through their extraordinary work, raise the profile of the clinical nurse specialist role, research, practice, education, and service.

The following awards are being offered during the NACNS 2027 Award Season. Please click on the award title to view the description and criteria for each award and to view the application form:

• • Innovator of the Year Award
  • Social Media CNS Influencer of the Year Award
  • CNS Preceptor of the Year
  • Academic Faculty Award
  • CNS Mentor of the Year
  • CNS of the Year
  • CNS Researcher of the Year
  • Armed Forces CNS of the Year
  • Rising Star of the Year
  • NACNS Affiliate of the Year
  • CNS EBP/QI Award

The application period will be open September 9 – October 9, 2026.

View Past Award Winners

Scholarships

Our scholarships are open only to NACNS members and are brought to you in partnership with CNS Institute.

(Please click on the scholarship title to view the description and criteria for each and to view the application form):

• Katie Brush Critical Care Scholarship
• Theresa Murray Clinical Nurse Specialist Scholarship for Quality & Safety, Clinical Excellence, and Professional Development
• Pamela Jane Nye Novice Innovator CNS Scholarship

Did you know CNSI offers travel and research grants exclusively to NACNS members? Click here for more information.