Exemplary Clinical Practice

Process:

Nominations are accepted until January 4, 2026, at 11:59 pm.  Nomination exemplars must have a minimum of 300 words and include specific examples in order to be eligible.  Nominations are de-identified and assigned by category to committee members for review. The selection committee scores nominations ranking them based on evidence provided within the nomination exemplar.

Award recipients are announced at a presentation event during Nurses' Week each year in May.

Purpose:

To recognize a nurse who demonstrates superlative clinical skills and knowledge.

Eligibility:

• Nominees must have been employed by UVA Health for at least 12 months.

• Nominees must have completed their area orientation by time of submission.

• The nominee’s manager/direct supervisor must support the nomination.

• Any Community health employee may nominate any nurse for this award.

Criteria:

Examples provided for each criterion should have occurred within the last 12 months and be written as narratives or stories consistent with the award criteria listed below.  They should also demonstrate the nominee’s involvement in patient care activities.  Nominations will only be considered if they include specific examples. A specific example must be submitted for each criterion in order to be considered complete and valid. Any clinical acts referenced must be consistent with policies and procedures outlined by UVA Health.  The professional nurse nominated in this category should display the following characteristics:

• CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE: Demonstrates expert clinical knowledge and expertise in professional nursing practice. Assumes responsibility for own actions, commitments, and opportunities for improvement.
• CRITICAL THINKING: Demonstrates the ability to use critical thinking skills on a routine basis.  Displays initiative and leadership in clinical problem-solving.
• EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: Utilizes effective communication skills and techniques with the healthcare team to promote teamwork and positive patient outcomes.  Proficient at determining and communicating the appropriate delegation of tasks.

**Click Here to Submit a Nomination**

Nominations will open July 1, 2025, and Close January 4, 2026, at 11:59 pm