It's time to recognize the outstanding individuals who make a difference in emergency and forensic nursing across the Commonwealth!
The 2026 Virginia State Council Awards nomination period is open from July 15 through August 15, 2026.
This is your opportunity to celebrate the colleagues, mentors, leaders, educators, and behind-the-scenes champions who go above and beyond every day. We encourage you to take a few minutes to nominate someone who has made a lasting impact on you, your team, your patients, or the profession.
2026 Virginia State Council Award Categories
🏆 Nurse Leader Award
Recognizes a leader who creates an environment that encourages teamwork, mutual respect, safe patient care, and professional development while advancing emergency and forensic nursing.
🏆 Clinical Excellence Award (Nurse Rockstar/Nursing in the Trenches)
Honors an exceptional direct-care nurse who exemplifies outstanding clinical practice, positively influences patient outcomes, and demonstrates excellence in emergency or forensic nursing. ENA membership is not required.
🏆 Nurse Educator Award
Recognizes an individual who inspires others through education, mentorship, preceptorship, or the development of innovative educational programs for healthcare professionals, nursing students, patients, or their families.
🏆 Emerging Professional Award
Celebrates a newer ENA member (less than five years of membership) who demonstrates enthusiasm, engagement, and a commitment to promoting the mission of ENA through participation, education, and professional role modeling.
🏆 Virginia State Council "Behind the Scenes" Award
Recognizes an individual who consistently goes the extra mile in support of the Virginia State Council through service, committee involvement, mentorship, advocacy, member engagement, or other meaningful contributions. ENA membership is not required.
🏆 Bob Shumate Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award
Honors an ENA member whose career reflects sustained service, leadership, and significant contributions to the profession of emergency and forensic nursing. A current CV or résumé must accompany the nomination.
Need more information? Attached you'll find our 2026 Virginia State Council Awards Quick Reference Guide, which includes eligibility requirements and nomination criteria for each award. You can also visit the Virginia State Council website and follow us on social media for additional information throughout the nomination period.
Who will you nominate? Think about the nurse leader, educator, clinician, mentor, or volunteer who has inspired you, supported your team, or made a lasting difference in emergency or forensic nursing. We'd love to hear their story!
Ready to submit your nomination? Click the link below to get started:
2026 Awards Application/Nomination
Thank you for helping us recognize the incredible individuals who make the Virginia State Council such a strong and vibrant organization. We look forward to celebrating our 2026 award recipients!
With appreciation,
Kristal M. Sullivan
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Kristal M. Sullivan MSN, RN, CPEN, TCRN
2026 Virginia State Council President
Trauma State Chair
email:
va.president@state.ena.org------------------------------