Awards & Recognition

Awards & Recognition

CNA launched an updated awards program in 2025. Applications are now open for the Sapphire Award, CNA Order of Merit Awards, Future of Nursing Awards, and the CNA Values Awards. The awards will be presented in October at a virtual ceremony.

Deadline: April 18, 2025

The CNA board of directors is responsible for honouring those who have made an outstanding contribution to nursing.

Sapphire Award: This award was introduced in 2025 and nurses nominated for this prestigious award have made significant, sustained and innovative contributions to nursing and the health care of people in Canada and/or the global population.

CNA Order of Merit Awards: These four awards were modified in 2025 to honour excellence in clinical nursing practice. One awardee is selected from each nursing category.

Future of Nursing Awards: These four awards were created in 2025 to honour student nursing excellence.

CNA Values Awards: These three awards were created in 2025 to honour nurses from any nursing category who exemplify one or more of the following CNA values: courage, diversity, equity, inclusion and innovation.

Additional awards

Certification Employer Recognition Award: The CNA Certification Program created this annual award in 1999 to honour employers who have demonstrated exemplary support for the certification process in nursing specialties. Applications will open later in 2025. Updates will be shared in our newsletter and on social media.

King Charles III Coronation Medal: These prestigious medals were awarded in 2025 to deserving individuals for their contributions to their community, Canada, or the world. The application period for this award is closed. Recipients of this award will be announced during National Nursing Week in our newsletter and on social media. Names will be announced during National Nursing Week 2025.