Since 1971, CNA has honoured a nurse or nurses at its biennial convention with the Jeanne Mance Award, named after one of Canada’s most inspirational nurses. As the first lay nurse in North America, Mance founded the Hôtel-Dieu Hospital and co-founded the surrounding settlement of Ville Marie, which later became Montreal.
Nurses nominated for this prestigious award have made significant and innovative contributions to the health of Canadians. They have worked to increase the public recognition and awareness of the nursing profession and have positively influenced nursing practice in Canada and abroad.
In 2023, the CNA awards committee and board of directors retired the Jeanne Mance Award and approved new award categories to replace it. The equivalent is now the Sapphire Award.