Star RN Award

The Star RN Award recognizes an outstanding nursing student who demonstrates exceptional leadership, service, professionalism, and commitment to the nursing profession. This award celebrates a student who positively impacts their peers, nursing program, community, and the future of nursing.

Recognizes: Individual Nursing Student
Nomination Required: Yes

Eligibility

• Currently enrolled in an eligible nursing program in the State of Florida

• In good standing with their nursing program

• Demonstrates involvement, leadership, service, or professional engagement during the current academic year

• May be nominated by a fellow nursing student, chapter officer, faculty member, Chapter Consultant, Dean/Director, or other nursing program representative

• One nomination form must be submitted for each nominee

Judging Criteria

Nominees will be evaluated based on:

Leadership
Demonstrates initiative, leadership, and the ability to positively influence or support others.

Service & Involvement
Actively contributes to their nursing program, student organization, community, or the nursing profession.

Professionalism
Demonstrates integrity, accountability, compassion, collaboration, and behaviors representative of the nursing profession.

Professional Engagement
Demonstrates involvement in nursing student organizations, professional development, advocacy, or other activities that contribute to their growth as a future nurse.

Impact
Has made a meaningful and positive impact on fellow students, their nursing program, community, or nursing profession.

Required Documentation

The nomination must include:

• Completed Individual Awards Nomination Form

• Nomination statement describing why the student should receive the Star RN Award

• Specific examples demonstrating the nominee's leadership, service, professionalism, involvement, and impact

• At least one supporting document or letter supporting the nomination

Additional supporting documentation may include photographs, letters of support, documentation of leadership or service, awards or recognition, event materials, or other evidence relevant to the nomination.

Recognition

The recipient of the Star RN Award will be recognized during the FNSA Annual Convention and receive a certificate of recognition.

Nominate a Star RN

Know an exceptional nursing student who deserves to be recognized? Submit an Individual Awards Nomination Form by the published deadline.

[NOMINATE]

The Dean/Director of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding nursing program Dean or Director whose leadership, advocacy, and commitment to student success have made a meaningful impact on nursing students and nursing education. This award celebrates a leader who fosters a supportive learning environment, encourages professional involvement, and creates opportunities for students to grow as future nurses and leaders.

Recognizes: Nursing Program Dean or Director
Nomination Required: Yes

Eligibility

• Currently serves as a Dean, Director, Chair, or equivalent leader of a nursing program in the State of Florida

• Demonstrates a commitment to nursing student success and professional development

• Supports student leadership and involvement in nursing student or professional organizations

• Has made a positive contribution to their nursing program and its students

• May be nominated by nursing students, chapter officers, faculty members, Chapter Consultants, or other members of the nursing program

Judging Criteria

Nominees will be evaluated based on:

Leadership & Vision
Demonstrates effective leadership and promotes an environment that supports excellence, collaboration, and student success within the nursing program.

Student Support & Advocacy
Advocates for nursing students and demonstrates a commitment to supporting their academic, professional, and personal development.

Support of Student Leadership & Professional Involvement
Encourages students to pursue leadership opportunities and become involved in nursing student associations, FNSA, NSNA, and the broader nursing profession.

Innovation & Opportunity
Supports or develops initiatives, resources, experiences, or opportunities that enhance nursing education and the student experience.

Impact on Nursing Students & the Program
Demonstrates a meaningful and positive impact on nursing students, the nursing program, or the development of future nurses.

Required Documentation

The nomination must include:

• Completed Individual Awards Nomination Form

• Nomination statement describing why the nominee should receive the Dean/Director of the Year Award

• Specific examples demonstrating the nominee's leadership, student advocacy, professional support, and impact

• At least one letter or statement of support from a nursing student, faculty member, Chapter Consultant, or other member of the nursing program

Additional supporting documentation may include examples of student initiatives supported by the nominee, program activities, recognition, photographs, letters, or other materials relevant to the nomination.

Recognition

The recipient of the Dean/Director of the Year Award will be recognized during the FNSA Annual Convention and receive a certificate of recognition.

Nominate a Dean or Director

Know an exceptional nursing program leader whose support and leadership have made a difference for nursing students?

[NOMINATE]

The Faculty Excellence Award recognizes an outstanding nursing faculty member whose dedication to teaching, mentorship, professional development, and student success has made a meaningful impact on nursing students. This award celebrates an educator who goes beyond traditional teaching responsibilities to support, inspire, and prepare students for the nursing profession.

Recognizes: Nursing Faculty Member
Nomination Required: Yes

Eligibility

• Currently serves as nursing faculty at a nursing program in the State of Florida

• Demonstrates a commitment to nursing education and student success

• Actively supports the professional growth and development of nursing students

• Demonstrates mentorship, encouragement, and support beyond traditional classroom or clinical instruction

• May be nominated by nursing students, chapter officers, fellow faculty members, Chapter Consultants, or nursing program leadership

Judging Criteria

Nominees will be evaluated based on:

Excellence in Nursing Education
Demonstrates excellence in teaching and creates meaningful learning experiences that contribute to students' development as future nurses.

Mentorship & Student Support
Provides guidance, encouragement, mentorship, and support that positively influences nursing students academically and professionally.

Professional Development & Involvement
Encourages students to pursue professional development, leadership opportunities, and involvement in nursing student and professional organizations.

This is also consistent with FNSA's historical emphasis on faculty encouraging student leadership, professional organization involvement, and FNSA/NSNA participation.

Commitment to Student Success
Demonstrates dedication to helping students develop the knowledge, confidence, professionalism, and skills necessary to succeed in nursing.

Impact on Students
Has made a meaningful and positive difference in the educational or professional experiences of nursing students.

Required Documentation

The nomination must include:

• Completed Individual Awards Nomination Form

• Nomination statement describing why the faculty member should receive the Faculty Excellence Award

• Specific examples demonstrating the nominee's teaching excellence, mentorship, student support, professional involvement, and impact

• At least one letter or statement of support from a current or former nursing student

Additional supporting documentation may include letters of support, examples of student initiatives or activities supported by the nominee, awards or recognition, photographs, program materials, or other evidence relevant to the nomination.

Recognition

The recipient of the Faculty Excellence Award will be recognized during the FNSA Annual Convention and receive a certificate of recognition.

Nominate an Outstanding Faculty Member

Has a nursing faculty member made a lasting difference in the education, development, or professional growth of nursing students?

[NOMINATE]

Diamond Chapter Award

The FNSA Diamond Chapter Circle recognizes high-achieving nursing student association chapters that demonstrate excellence across multiple areas of chapter development, professional involvement, leadership, service, advocacy, membership engagement, communications, and participation within FNSA and NSNA.

Diamond Chapter recognition is designed to celebrate chapters demonstrating strong overall involvement and commitment to the mission and goals of FNSA. Historically, chapters were evaluated across eight areas of chapter achievement.

Recognizes: FNSA Nursing Student Chapters
Application Required: Yes

Eligibility

• Open to eligible Florida nursing student association chapters

• Chapter must meet FNSA Official Constituency requirements

• A completed Diamond Chapter Application must be submitted for consideration

• Activities and accomplishments submitted for scoring must reflect the current academic year

• Supporting documentation is required for criteria for which the chapter is claiming points

Official Constituency Status has historically been a required component of Diamond Chapter eligibility.

Judging Criteria

The Diamond Chapter Application is evaluated using a 100-point scoring system across eight categories:

I. Official Constituency Status
Evaluates whether the chapter meets FNSA constituency requirements.

II. Faculty Support of Professional Development
Evaluates faculty and Chapter Consultant support of student recognition, leadership, professional involvement, and chapter membership.

III. Membership
Evaluates chapter membership engagement, recruitment, mentorship, partnerships, and communication.

IV. Community Health Participation
Evaluates chapter involvement in community health service, initiatives, resolutions, and related activities.

V. Legislative Advocacy & Political Action
Evaluates chapter involvement in nursing advocacy, legislative activities, resolutions, and political engagement.

VI. Breakthrough to Nursing
Evaluates chapter efforts to promote nursing, engage prospective and pre-nursing students, and support BTN initiatives.

VII. Communications
Evaluates chapter communication efforts, including meetings, newsletters, social media, and other methods of engaging members.

VIII. State & National Convention Participation
Evaluates chapter participation and involvement at the FNSA and NSNA state and national levels.

These eight categories are the established Diamond Chapter evaluation areas.

Required Documentation

Chapters must provide supporting documentation for each scoring criterion for which points are claimed.

Documentation must demonstrate that the activity, program, event, involvement, or accomplishment occurred during the current academic year.

Acceptable documentation may include photographs, event flyers, meeting minutes, attendance records, screenshots, newsletters, social media posts, resolutions, faculty or consultant letters, fundraising records, convention documentation, certificates, award documentation, or other evidence that clearly verifies completion of the applicable criterion.

Documentation should clearly identify the chapter, activity, and date whenever possible.

Historically, Diamond Chapter scoring specifically considered the completeness and integrity of applications and encouraged chapters to provide detailed supporting evidence corresponding to individual scoring criteria.

Recognition

Chapters achieving the requirements for Diamond Chapter recognition will be recognized as members of the FNSA Diamond Chapter Circle during the FNSA Annual Convention and receive a certificate of recognition.

Historically, Diamond Chapter Circle recognition was awarded to the chapters achieving the highest overall scores.

Ready to Apply?

Chapters are strongly encouraged to review the Diamond Chapter Scoring Sheet early in the academic year and use it to plan activities, track progress, and collect supporting documentation.

[VIEW DIAMOND CHAPTER DETAILS & SCORING SHEET]

[COMPLETE THE DIAMOND CHAPTER APPLICATION]

The Best Community Health Participation Award recognizes an FNSA chapter that demonstrates outstanding commitment to improving community health through service, education, outreach, and chapter-led initiatives. This award celebrates chapters that use their nursing knowledge, creativity, and resources to make a meaningful impact within the communities they serve.

Recognizes: FNSA Nursing Student Chapters
Application Required: Yes

Eligibility

• Open to eligible FNSA nursing student chapters

• Community health activities must have been completed during the current academic year

• Activities may include chapter-developed projects as well as participation in community health initiatives organized by outside organizations

• Chapters must submit the applicable award section and required supporting documentation

• Chapters do not need to qualify for Diamond Chapter recognition to be considered for this award

Historically, FNSA allowed chapters to compete for individual “Best Of” awards by completing the applicable Diamond Chapter category without completing every section of the Diamond Chapter application.

Judging Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the chapter's overall involvement and achievement in community health, including:

Community Health Participation
Demonstrates active chapter involvement in community health events, programs, service opportunities, or initiatives.

Chapter-Led Initiatives
Demonstrates initiative by planning, developing, or implementing community health activities or projects.

Community Impact
Demonstrates how chapter activities addressed an identified community need, provided health education or services, or otherwise benefited the population served.

Creativity & Engagement
Demonstrates creativity in the chapter's approach to community health and meaningful participation by chapter members.

Professional & Organizational Involvement
Demonstrates additional involvement in community health through activities such as community health-related resolutions or an established chapter Community Health Committee.

The historical FNSA criteria specifically considered participation in outside community events, chapter-created community health events, community health resolutions, and an established Community Health Committee.

Required Documentation

Chapters should provide documentation demonstrating the community health activities included in their submission.

Documentation may include:

• Photographs from community health activities or events

• Event flyers, programs, or promotional materials

• Brief descriptions of activities, goals, and outcomes

• Attendance or participation records

• Documentation of chapter-developed community health initiatives

• Copies of community health-related resolutions

• Community Health Committee documentation

• Letters or acknowledgments from community organizations or partners

• Evidence of the population reached or impact achieved

• Other documentation that supports the chapter's submission

Supporting documentation should clearly identify the chapter, activity, and date whenever possible and must reflect activities completed during the current academic year.

Recognition

The chapter selected for the Best Community Health Participation Award will be recognized during the FNSA Annual Convention and receive a certificate of recognition.

Historically, the winning chapter was also recognized on the FNSA website and in the FNSA newsletter.

Ready to Apply?

Chapters may apply for this award through the FNSA Chapter Excellence Awards Application. Chapters applying for multiple Chapter Excellence Awards may select all applicable awards within the same application and complete the corresponding sections.

[APPLY]

The Best Legislative Advocacy & Political Action Award recognizes an FNSA chapter that demonstrates outstanding involvement in legislative advocacy, political awareness, and activities that promote nursing students’ engagement in issues affecting nursing, healthcare, and the communities they serve. This award celebrates chapters that help nursing students understand the importance of advocacy and use their collective voice to support the nursing profession.

Recognizes: FNSA Nursing Student Chapters
Application Required: Yes

Eligibility

• Open to eligible FNSA nursing student chapters

• Legislative advocacy and political action activities must have been completed during the current academic year

• Activities may occur at the local, state, or national level

• Chapters must submit the applicable award section and required supporting documentation

• Chapters do not need to qualify for Diamond Chapter recognition to be considered for this award

Historically, FNSA allowed chapters to compete for individual “Best Of” awards by completing the applicable Diamond Chapter category and providing supporting evidence.

Judging Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the chapter's overall involvement and achievement in legislative advocacy and political action, including:

Legislative & Political Engagement
Demonstrates active participation in activities that increase awareness of nursing, healthcare, legislative, or policy issues.

Advocacy & Education
Demonstrates efforts to educate and engage nursing students or the community regarding legislative issues, advocacy, civic participation, or the role of nurses in the legislative process.

Chapter-Led Initiatives
Demonstrates initiative through chapter-organized advocacy activities, legislative programs, awareness campaigns, or other opportunities for nursing students to become involved.

Resolutions & Policy Involvement
Demonstrates involvement in developing, authoring, submitting, supporting, or promoting resolutions or other policy-related initiatives at the state or national level.

Chapter Engagement & Organization
Demonstrates meaningful participation by chapter members in legislative or political action activities, including involvement through an established chapter legislative or political action committee.

Historical FNSA criteria specifically considered whether chapters participated in legislative and political activities, maintained a Legislation or Political Action Committee, and authored state or national resolutions related to legislative or political action.

Required Documentation

Chapters should provide documentation demonstrating the legislative advocacy and political action activities included in their submission.

Documentation may include:

• Photographs from advocacy or legislative activities

• Event flyers, programs, or promotional materials

• Brief descriptions of activities, goals, and outcomes

• Documentation of participation in legislative or advocacy events

• Copies of resolutions or documentation of resolution involvement

• Legislative or Political Action Committee documentation

• Advocacy campaigns, educational materials, or presentations

• Correspondence related to legislative or advocacy efforts

• Evidence of chapter or member participation

• Other documentation supporting the chapter's advocacy activities

Supporting documentation should clearly identify the chapter, activity, and date whenever possible and must reflect activities completed during the current academic year.

Recognition

The chapter selected for the Best Legislative Advocacy & Political Action Award will be recognized during the FNSA Annual Convention and receive a certificate of recognition.

Historically, the winning chapter was also recognized on the FNSA website and in the FNSA newsletter.

Ready to Apply?

Chapters may apply for this award through the FNSA Chapter Excellence Awards Application. Chapters applying for multiple Chapter Excellence Awards may select all applicable awards within the same application and complete the corresponding sections.

[APPLY]

The FNSA Breakthrough to Nursing Awards recognize chapters that develop creative and effective initiatives to promote the nursing profession, connect with prospective and pre-nursing students, and encourage the next generation of nursing students.

Two Breakthrough to Nursing Awards are presented:

• Most Creative/Effective Breakthrough to Nursing Outreach Project

• Most Creative/Effective Breakthrough to Nursing Recruitment Strategy

FNSA's previous award structure also recognized Outreach and Recruitment as separate Breakthrough to Nursing awards.

Recognizes: FNSA Nursing Student Chapters
Application Required: Yes

Eligibility

• Open to eligible FNSA nursing student chapters

• Submitted activities must have been completed during the current academic year

• Projects or strategies should focus on prospective nursing students, pre-nursing students, school-aged students, new nursing students, or other populations appropriate to Breakthrough to Nursing

• Chapters must submit the applicable award section and required supporting documentation

• Chapters may apply for one or both Breakthrough to Nursing Awards

• Chapters do not need to qualify for Diamond Chapter recognition to be considered

Historical FNSA criteria considered activities involving school-aged students, chapter-initiated programs, BTN committee involvement, and events for new nursing students, NSA members, interested students, and pre-nursing students.

Most Creative/Effective Breakthrough to Nursing Outreach Project

Recognizes a chapter that develops a creative and effective outreach project designed to introduce individuals to nursing, increase awareness of nursing and health-related careers, or connect prospective students with the nursing profession.

Judging Criteria

Purpose & Relevance
The project demonstrates a clear purpose related to nursing outreach and Breakthrough to Nursing.

Creativity & Originality
Demonstrates an innovative or engaging approach to introducing participants to nursing or health-related careers.

Outreach & Engagement
Demonstrates meaningful interaction with the project's intended audience and active involvement by chapter members.

Implementation
Demonstrates effective planning, organization, and execution of the project.

Impact & Outcomes
Demonstrates the project's reach, results, participant response, or other evidence of its impact.

Most Creative/Effective Breakthrough to Nursing Recruitment Strategy

Recognizes a chapter that develops and implements a creative and effective recruitment strategy designed to encourage prospective or pre-nursing students to pursue nursing education or become engaged with the nursing student community.

Judging Criteria

Recruitment Purpose & Strategy
Demonstrates a clear and intentional approach to recruiting or engaging prospective nursing students.

Creativity & Originality
Uses innovative or engaging methods to attract and connect with the intended audience.

Audience Engagement
Demonstrates meaningful interaction with prospective, pre-nursing, new nursing, or other eligible students.

Effectiveness
Provides evidence that the strategy successfully reached, engaged, recruited, or influenced its intended audience.

Impact & Sustainability
Demonstrates measurable or observable results and, when applicable, the potential for the strategy to be continued or replicated.

Required Documentation

Chapters should provide documentation demonstrating the project or recruitment strategy included in their submission.

Documentation may include:

• A brief description of the project or strategy, including its goals and intended audience

• Photographs from activities or events

• Flyers, promotional materials, or recruitment materials

• Presentations or educational materials

• Attendance or participation information

• Social media or digital outreach materials

• Participant feedback or testimonials

• Evidence of outcomes or individuals reached

• Documentation of partnerships with schools, organizations, or community groups

• Other materials demonstrating implementation and impact

Supporting documentation should clearly identify the chapter, activity, and date whenever possible and must reflect activities completed during the current academic year.

Outreach vs. Recruitment

I would add this little callout because I think it will prevent a lot of confusion:

Which award should we apply for?

Outreach Project: Choose this award when the primary goal of the initiative was to introduce, educate, or increase awareness about nursing and health-related careers.

Recruitment Strategy: Choose this award when the primary goal was to actively encourage or recruit individuals to pursue nursing education or become involved in the nursing student community.

If an initiative strongly demonstrates both purposes, a chapter may submit it for consideration in both categories.

Recognition

The chapters selected for the Breakthrough to Nursing Awards will be recognized during the FNSA Annual Convention and receive certificates of recognition.

Historically, FNSA also recognized winning BTN chapters on the FNSA website and in the newsletter.

Ready to Apply?

Chapters may apply for one or both Breakthrough to Nursing Awards through the FNSA Chapter Excellence Awards Application. Chapters applying for additional Chapter Excellence Awards may select all applicable awards within the same application.

[ APPLY]

The FNSA Communications Awards recognize chapters that demonstrate excellence in communicating with members and the nursing student community. These awards celebrate chapters that use informative, engaging, creative, and consistent communication to strengthen member involvement and promote chapter activities and opportunities.

Two Communications Awards are presented:

• Newsletter Award

• Social Media Award

Historically, FNSA evaluated Newsletter and Social Media as separate awards within the Chapter Communications category.

Recognizes: FNSA Nursing Student Chapters
Application Required: Yes

Eligibility

• Open to eligible FNSA nursing student chapters

• Submitted newsletters, social media content, and other communication materials must have been published or active during the current academic year

• Chapters may apply for one or both Communications Awards

• Chapters must provide access to or examples of the communication platform being submitted for evaluation

• Required supporting documentation must be submitted with the application

• Chapters do not need to qualify for Diamond Chapter recognition to be considered for these awards

Newsletter Award

The Newsletter Award recognizes a chapter that demonstrates excellence in communicating with its members through an informative, useful, creative, and professionally presented chapter newsletter.

Judging Criteria

Appearance & Presentation
Evaluates the overall organization, readability, visual presentation, and professional appearance of the newsletter.

Consistency of Publication
Evaluates how regularly the chapter publishes and distributes its newsletter throughout the academic year.

Originality & Usefulness of Content
Evaluates whether the newsletter provides original, relevant, informative, and useful content for nursing students and chapter members.

Creativity
Evaluates the chapter's creativity in presenting information, highlighting chapter activities, engaging readers, and communicating with members.

These areas directly reflect FNSA's historical Newsletter Award criteria of appearance and form, regularity of publication, originality and usefulness of content, and creativity.

Required Documentation

Chapters applying for the Newsletter Award should provide:

• Copies or digital examples of chapter newsletters published during the current academic year

• Publication dates for each submitted newsletter

• A brief description of how and how often the newsletter is distributed to members

• Any additional information necessary for reviewers to understand the newsletter's purpose or audience

The historical award specifically required chapters to provide copies or examples of their newsletters to be eligible for judging.

Social Media Award

The Social Media Award recognizes a chapter that demonstrates excellence in using social media and digital communication to engage nursing students, promote chapter activities, share useful information, and strengthen the chapter's presence within the nursing student community.

Judging Criteria

Organization & Appearance
Evaluates the overall organization, presentation, accessibility, and professional appearance of the chapter's social media presence.

Consistency & Activity
Evaluates whether the chapter maintains an active presence and regularly provides current and relevant information.

Originality & Usefulness of Content
Evaluates whether content is original, relevant, informative, and useful to nursing students and chapter members.

Creativity & Engagement
Evaluates the chapter's creative use of digital communication to promote activities, communicate information, highlight members, and engage its audience.

These criteria preserve the historical FNSA evaluation areas of organized appearance, frequency of updates, originality and usefulness of content, and creativity.

Required Documentation

Chapters applying for the Social Media Award should provide:

• Direct links or account handles for the social media platform(s) being submitted

• Identification of the platform(s) being evaluated

• Representative screenshots or examples of content from the current academic year

• A brief description of how the platform is used to communicate with and engage nursing students

• Optional engagement information, such as reach, interactions, or other relevant analytics

Accounts or pages submitted for consideration must be accessible to FNSA reviewers during the judging period. Historically, FNSA specifically required chapters to provide access or links to the social media page being evaluated.

Newsletter vs. Social Media

Which award should our chapter apply for?

Newsletter Award: Select this award for a chapter-produced newsletter distributed to members on a periodic basis.

Social Media Award: Select this award for a chapter's ongoing use of social media or other eligible digital platforms to communicate and engage with its audience.

Chapters with strong performance in both areas are encouraged to apply for both awards.

Recognition

The chapters selected for the Communications Awards will be recognized during the FNSA Annual Convention and receive certificates of recognition.

Historically, winning chapters were also recognized on the FNSA website and in the FNSA newsletter.

Ready to Apply?

Chapters may apply for one or both Communications Awards through the FNSA Chapter Excellence Awards Application. Chapters applying for additional Chapter Excellence Awards may select all applicable awards within the same application.

[APPLY]

The FNSA Membership Achievement Awards recognize nursing student chapters that demonstrate outstanding achievement in membership growth and participation. These awards celebrate chapters that successfully engage nursing students and strengthen involvement in FNSA and NSNA.

Unlike other Chapter Excellence Awards, no application is required for Membership Achievement Awards. Eligible chapters are automatically considered based on official membership records.

Recognizes: FNSA Nursing Student Chapters
Application Required: No

Eligibility

• Open to eligible FNSA nursing student chapters

• Chapter must maintain current official constituency status

• Membership must be reflected in the official membership records used by FNSA

• Chapters are automatically considered for applicable Membership Achievement Awards

• No separate application or supporting documentation is required

Award Categories

Highest Membership Award

Recognizes the chapter with the highest total number of members during the applicable membership year.

Greatest Percentage Increase in Membership Award

Recognizes the chapter achieving the greatest percentage increase in membership compared with the previous membership year. This award allows chapters of different sizes to be recognized for significant membership growth.

Greatest Number Increase in Membership Award

Recognizes the chapter achieving the greatest numerical increase in total members compared with the previous membership year.

For example, if a chapter increased from 50 to 85 members, its numerical increase would be 35 members, regardless of the percentage increase.

Determination of Winners

Membership Achievement Awards are determined using official membership records. Chapters do not need to submit membership totals or supporting documentation for consideration.

Recognition

Recipients of the FNSA Membership Achievement Awards will be recognized during the FNSA Annual Convention and receive certificates of recognition.

No Application Required