The AJC’s Nursing Leadership Award recognizes nurse leaders serving in an administrative capacity that demonstrate advocacy, vision, and collaboration to improve patient care and the nursing workplace. Nominees should hold a minimum of a BSN degree and should be presently employed as a nursing leader holding a Director level title or higher in a hospital or healthcare facility.

The AJC Nursing Leadership Award is based on the premise that a nurse leader enhances the self-image of professional nursing, has a positive value orientation and promotes the professional development of self and others as evidenced by maintaining competence in nursing and responding to challenges with innovative approaches. A panel of independent judges will review all nominations and choose a winner based on the impact the individual made to their organization and team.

Enhances image of professional nursing Positive values orientation Promotes professional development of self and others Responds to challenges with innovative approaches


Before submitting be sure to click here for Official Rules and a complete list of the criteria.

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* 1. Is this nominee at the Director level or above?
If No, please nominate them for our Celebrating Nurses RN Awards.

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* 2. Nominator's First Name

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* 3. Nominator's Last Name

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* 4. Nominator's E-Mail

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* 5. Nominator's Phone

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* 6. Nurse Leader's First Name 

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* 7. Nurse Leader's Last Name

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* 8. Nurse Leader's Employee ID #, Email Address or Unit/Department (Optional)

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* 9. Nurse Leader's Employer?

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* 10. REASON FOR NOMINATION:

Explain in detail how the nurse leader provided leadership that went above and beyond and made an impact on your organization.

Wondering where to start with your nomination story? Check out these stories from past Celebrating Nurses Leadership Honorees: Amy Macy (2024), Denise Ray (2022), Vicky Hogue (2021)

Submissions must be a minimum of 250 words and provide specific examples.

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* 11. I have read and agree to the Official Rules

All information will remain confidential. To be eligible, in addition to any criteria listed in the category descriptions, the nominee must be licensed in the state of GA, be employed in Metro Atlanta and serve in a nursing position with Director level or higher job title. Selection is based solely on the information submitted. The nomination form should be completed citing examples of the nominee’s qualifications. Excerpts from the nomination statements submitted will be read when the award is presented at the AJC’s annual Celebrating Nurses awards event in 2025. The award recipient will be asked to submit a photo for recognition at the event.

For nomination and sponsorship questions – please contact Emily Mack at 770-843-2988

No purchase necessary. Open to legal U.S. residents of Georgia, 18+. Nominators may not nominate themselves or immediate family and are not prize-eligible. Nominees must be licensed registered nurses residing and working in eligible Atlanta metro counties (see Official Rules). Nomination period: Sept. 19, 2025, 12:01 a.m. ET – Dec. 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET. Limit: one nomination per nominator per nominee. Up to 25 finalists reviewed by judges; criteria: Impact 40%, Clarity 30%, Inspiration/Leadership 20%, Narrative 10%. Eleven (11) winners (10 nurses, 1 nursing leader) selected. Winners receive recognition as part of the AJC Celebrating Nurses Awards 2026 (e.g., coverage in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, event acknowledgment, commemorative award); secondary gifts (e.g., gift cards, merchandise, event invitations) may also be awarded. Total ARV of all prizes ≤ $5,000. Winners notified on/around Mar. 1, 2026. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Cox Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 1200 Peachtree St NE, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30309. See Official Rules for full details.: Official Rules.
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