Deadlines for nominations for several ASPAN Awards is approaching. The NCAPAN BOD supports these awards and encourage NCAPAN members to take some time and think about a peer who deserves to be recognized for their contributions to Perianesthesia nurse. Nomination and detailed information about each award can be found on the ASPAN website (www.aspan.org). If you need assistance in completing the nomination forms, please reach out to a member of the NCAPAN board through an email to ncapan83@gmail.com. Can't wait to see a member of NCAPAN receive a 2025 ASPAN award!

1. Excellence in Clinical Practice Award 2025

To recognize and support excellence in clinical nursing practice in perianesthesia nursing.

Award Criteria

• A current Active Category member of ASPAN and a component for the past two full years immediately prior to the nomination deadline of November 30, 2024
• Registered nurse who is CPAN and/or CAPA certified
• Registered nurse currently involved in the direct care of perianesthesia patients whose clinical practice is consistent with the standards of ASPAN
• Minimum five years’ direct care experience in perianesthesia nursing
• A practitioner whose practice exemplifies a high-level of compassion and specialty expertise documented by peers and/or patients/families as validated by two letters of reference
• A practitioner who is a recognized expert in clinical nursing practice as shown by their contributions to and support of perianesthesia nursing
• Participates actively in nursing programs, committees or projects resulting in contributions to perianesthesia nursing

Contributions and activities used in the evaluation process for the award must have been completed within the past five years.

2. Above & Beyond Service Recognition

The 2025 Nomination Deadline is January 10, 2025.

Service Excellence

The ASPAN Above & Beyond Service Recognition Awards are given to individuals in recognition of exemplary service to ASPAN and/or their component. Recipients of this honor/award demonstrate an attitude of excellence, teamwork, and go "Above and Beyond" the expectations of their job/duties.

Award Criteria

1. Makes a significant, positive impact on ASPAN, ASPAN Components or a colleague as evidenced through collaboration, esprit de corps in a project, etc. Examples (but not limited to) include helping a colleague with hands on work of creating a research/EBP project, setting up a study group for certification examination, taking over conference tasks due to an emergency or resignation, being the “go to person” who can answer questions about ASPAN Standards.
2. Makes a significant contribution to the current work of ASPAN, or ASPAN Component. Examples (but not limited to) include: a committee or SWT member accepting an extra assignment at the last moment, strong commitment in encouraging membership, certification, etc.  
3. Makes a positive impact on service excellence in the promotion of ASPAN or ASPAN Component in the community or the workplace. Examples (but not limited to) include organizing PANAW Celebration at workplace, organizing a fundraiser for local charities, working at local health fairs, speaking at community groups on health-related topic, speaking to student nurses and promoting ASPAN. 

3. Award for Outstanding Achievement 2025

Award Criteria

• A current Active Category member of ASPAN and a component for the past two full years immediately prior to the nomination deadline of November 30, 2024
• Registered nurse who is CPAN and/or CAPA certified
• Minimum five years’ direct care experience in perianesthesia nursing
• A practitioner who:
  • Demonstrates outstanding knowledge and expertise in the practice, education, research, and/or management areas of perianesthesia nursing
  • Has made contributions to, or through, perianesthesia nursing that have affected the community, region, or country
  • Has influenced perianesthesia nursing in a professional role nationally (i.e., speaker to Congress, journal articles, lectures, author)
  • Is recognized by peers and others as an expert and leader in the field of perianesthesia nursing as validated by two letters of reference.

Contributions and activities used in the evaluation process for the award must have been completed within the past five years.