
Exemplary Nurse Leadership and Mentorship Award
The Exemplary Leadership and Mentorship award recognizes a nurse leader who significantly influenced professional nursing practice and the professional development of others. AONL believes every nurse has the potential to be leader and inspire expert care. This award supports AONL’s mission by honoring an individual’s influence and impact on nursing practice and leadership.

Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a current AONL Member.
- Current members of the AONL Board of Directors and/or AONL staff are not eligible.
Nomination Process
- Any AONL member may nominate a candidate for the award by submitting a nomination form and supporting documentation for the submission criteria.
- The nomination form should list examples of the nominee’s leadership in elevating nursing, mentorship, impact on professional nursing practice, service to AONL or its affiliates.
Application Closed
Selection Process
The AONL Awards committee selects the winner using the below submission criteria. Include all roles, activities and qualities supporting the submission criteria in the application:
Leadership
Influenced nursing standards and professional practice
Recognized as a local or regional leader in nursing
Provides guidance, advice and support
Demonstrates passion for developing others
Influence
Supports AONL’s strategic priorities
Influences others outside of nursing to advance the goals for nursing practice
Mobilizes frontline nurses to achieve excellence in nursing practice
Serves as a role model
Impact
Develops and executes creative approaches to improving nursing practice
Advances the practice of nursing
Acts as a catalyst for innovative future care delivery models
Serves as a formal and informal mentor to nurses
Promotes diversity and inclusion efforts