Thank you to our generous sponsor:
 

Nurse entrepreneurs use their professional nursing experience, their passion, and their education to start their own businesses in the healthcare industry. This award is given to a nurse who is driven to start a privately-owned business in the healthcare industry or whose business is within its first two years of operation. The business may include, but is not limited to, developing and selling a home health product or medical device or offering independent nursing services, such as patient care, nursing education, home health, and/or consulting services.
 

To qualify, an applicant must have a valid Pennsylvania nursing license that is in good standing and own a company or organization based in, founded in, or have a significant presence in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
 Award finalists will be invited to participate in a virtual interview with members of the selection committee.

PRIMARY CRITERIA
Download the printable details about the Guardian Nurses Entrepreneurial Award.

The nurse entrepreneur must be the founder of an existing business no greater than two years old or in the midst of starting their own business and must share a fully developed business plan.
 

• The business plan or existing business must demonstrate profitability.
• The business plan or existing business must demonstrate growth and long-term potential.
• The business plan or existing business must be an independent company (and not a subsidiary or franchise).
• The business plan or existing business must value and demonstrate relationship-based principles of business.
• The entrepreneur must note contributions to the community through charitable or leadership roles.
• The entrepreneur must demonstrate an ability to overcome adversity as well as a commitment to welcoming diversity.
• The nurse entrepreneur's business idea must have received local or regional recognition.
• The business, if operating, is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• The entrepreneur must have a valid PA nursing license in good standing.
• The business must be based in, founded in, or have a significant presence in Pennsylvania.
• The business has an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

APPLICATION CHECKLIST
 Please use this guide to provide supporting materials for your application portfolio. Include information or materials you think would be helpful to the selection committee in considering this year's honoree. Remember, judging is conducted solely from the quality of the information and materials submitted. Please do not submit audio/visual materials or materials that must be returned.
 Within this application, you will submit everything below as file uploads. 

• Business Plan: Concise description of the business/organization; list of principles involved (full name and contact information); mission/vision statement; short- and long-term goals/strategic plan; budget/proposed budget; investors/potential investors if applicable; and marketing plan.
• Entrepreneur Biography: This should include the nurse entrepreneur's resume and history, as well as mission/vision statements for the business or organization. Include information that tells the story of the nurse entrepreneur. Include brochures, if applicable, as well as testimonials or articles.
• Growth: Describe how the nurse entrepreneur has contributed to the founding of the business or organization. Please include measurable data, such as statistics showing revenue growth over a period of time and how the nurse entrepreneur contributed to this growth. Also, describe the nurse entrepreneur's potential for continued growth and achievement going forward.
• Innovation: Describe a unique quality of the nurse entrepreneur and/or their business or organization. This may be a tangible product or technology, a patient innovation or practice, or something that distinguishes the nurse entrepreneur, the business, or the organization within the healthcare industry.
• Achievements: List any honors, awards, or achievements that the nurse entrepreneur and/or the business or organization has earned.
• Recommendations: Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Service and Entrepreneurial Spirit: Describe how the nurse entrepreneur and the business or organization has reinvested in its community. List any involvement with business organizations, charitable or civic causes, or any involvement that would enhance the quality of life and give back to the community.

DEADLINE
  Applications containing all supporting materials are due July 1, 2025.

SPONSORED BY
  This award is sponsored by Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates. $5,000 will be awarded. 

This category is for Nurse-Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Anesthetists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Masters-prepared nurses working in an advanced practice setting.  

Application Process: Please Read Carefully
 

• Submit contact information for the nominee, nominator, and the CNO, Director, or CEO.
• Provide information about the nominee's education, certifications, community involvement, honors/awards, professional memberships, etc.
• Answer the required questions about the nominee's excellence in nursing.
• Obtain signatures from the following people: nominator (yourself); the nominee/candidate; and the CNO, Director or CEO. Download the signature form here (PDF File). You will then upload the completed signature form, where indicated, toward the bottom of this submission form. NOTE: You can have everyone sign the form separately and upload multiple documents - each with one signature - if it is easier. 

   The application, including all required materials, must be complete at the time of submission to be considered.  

Selection Criteria
 

• Enhances Quality Patient Care
• Exhibits Excellence in the Nursing Process
• Utilizes Exemplary Interpersonal and Leadership Skills
• Contributes to the Advancement of Nursing
• Participates in Community Affairs

Nominees must live and work in Pennsylvania to be considered for this Award.  

Nurses nominated for this award are recognized for providing an outstanding quality of patient care, superior nursing clinical skills, and extraordinary compassion. Exceptional communication skills enhance their contribution to the health needs of the community while advancing the profession.

Application Process: Please Read Carefully
 

• Submit contact information for the nominee, nominator, and CNO, Director, or CEO. 
• Provide information about the nominee's education, certifications, community involvement, honors/awards, professional memberships, etc.
• Answer the required questions about the nominee's excellence in nursing.
• Obtain signatures from the following people: nominator (yourself); the nominee/candidate; and the CNO, Director or CEO. Download the signature form here (PDF). You will then upload the completed signature form, where indicated, toward the bottom of this submission form. NOTE: You can have everyone sign the form separately and upload multiple documents - each with one signature - if it is easier. 

The application, including all required materials, must be complete at the time of submission to be considered.  

Selection Criteria
 

• Enhances Quality Patient Care
• Exhibits Excellence in the Nursing Process
• Utilizes Exemplary Interpersonal and Leadership Skills
• Participates in Community Affairs

Nominees must live and work in Pennsylvania to be considered.  

Nurses nominated for this award are recognized for providing an outstanding quality of patient care, superior nursing clinical skills, and extraordinary compassion. Exceptional communication skills enhance their contribution to the health needs of the community while advancing the profession.

Application Process: Please Read Carefully 

• Submit contact information for the nominee, nominator, and CNO, Director, or CEO. 
• Provide information about the nominee's education, certifications, community involvement, honors/awards, professional memberships, etc.
• Answer the required questions about the nominee's excellence in nursing.
• Obtain signatures from the following people: nominator (yourself); the nominee/candidate; and the CNO, Director or CEO. Download the signature form here (PDF). You will then upload the completed signature form, where indicated, toward the bottom of this submission form. NOTE: You can have everyone sign the form separately and upload multiple documents - each with one signature - if it is easier. 

The application, including all required materials, must be complete at the time of submission to be considered.  

Selection Criteria 

• Enhances Quality Patient Care
• Exhibits Excellence in the Nursing Process
• Utilizes Exemplary Interpersonal and Leadership Skills
• Participates in Community Affairs

Nominees must live and work in Pennsylvania to be considered.  

This category is for non-acute care nurses, i.e. Hospice/Home Care, Parish Nurse, School Nurse. Nurses nominated for this award are recognized for providing outstanding quality of patient care, superior nursing clinical skills, and extraordinary compassion. Exceptional communication skills enhance their contribution to the health needs of the community while advancing the profession.

Application Process: Please Read Carefully 

• Submit contact information for the nominee, nominator, and CNO, Director, or CEO. 
• Provide information about the nominee's education, certifications, community involvement, honors/awards, professional memberships, etc.
• Answer the required questions about the nominee's excellence in nursing.
• Obtain signatures from the following people: nominator (yourself); the nominee/candidate; and the CNO, Director, or CEO. Download the signature form here (PDF). You will then upload the completed signature form, where indicated, toward the bottom of this submission form. NOTE: You can have everyone sign the form separately and upload multiple documents - each with one signature - if it is easier. 

The application, including all required materials, must be complete at the time of submission to be considered.  

Selection Criteria 

• Enhances Quality Patient Care
• Exhibits Excellence in the Nursing Process
• Utilizes Exemplary Interpersonal and Leadership Skills
• Participates in Community Affairs

Nominees must live and work in Pennsylvania to be considered.  

Curricula within the DNP framework builds on traditional graduate programs by providing education in research/evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership, among other key areas.
Nominees for this award exhibit healthcare improvements and contributions via practice and clinical scholarship; demonstrate noteworthy involvement or influence in healthcare policy and advocacy; contribute to inter-professional collaboration and improve patient and/or population health; and significantly contribute to the advancement of nursing practice.

Application Process: Please Read Carefully 

• Submit contact information for the nominee, nominator, and CNO, Director, or CEO. 
• Provide information about the nominee's education, certifications, community involvement, honors/awards, professional memberships, etc.
• Answer the required questions about the nominee's excellence in nursing.
• Obtain signatures from the following people: the nominator (yourself); the nominee/candidate; and the CNO, Director, or CEO. Download the signature form here (PDF). You will then upload the completed signature form, where indicated, toward the bottom of this submission form. NOTE: You can have everyone sign the form separately and upload multiple documents - each with one signature - if it is easier.

The application, including all required materials, must be complete at the time of submission to be considered.  

Selection Criteria 

• Exhibits healthcare improvements and contributions via leadership, practice, and clinical scholarship
• Demonstrates noteworthy involvement or influence in healthcare policy and advocacy
• Contributes to interprofessional collaboration and improves patient and/or population health
• Significantly contributes to the advancement of nursing practice

Nominees must live and work in Pennsylvania to be considered.  

Nurse administrators nominated for this award are recognized for creating and sustaining supportive environments for the practice of nursing in challenging and diverse arenas. The nominees for this award initiate positive recruitment and retention strategies and support a model of professional practice in their organization through their leadership, innovation, mentoring, and knowledge of the healthcare needs of their communities.
 The emphasis for this award category is on a (non-executive) clinical practice leader/manager, an individual who influences the quality of patient care with a focus on infrastructure support and positive clinical outcomes.

Application Process: Please Read Carefully 

• Submit contact information for the nominee, nominator, and CNO, Director, or CEO. 
• Provide information about the nominee's education, certifications, community involvement, honors/awards, professional memberships, etc.
• Answer the required questions about the nominee's excellence in nursing.
• Obtain signatures from the following people: the nominator (yourself); the nominee/candidate; and the CNO, Director, or CEO. Download the signature form here (PDF). You will then upload the completed signature form, where indicated, toward the bottom of this submission form. NOTE: You can have everyone sign the form separately and upload multiple documents - each with one signature - if it is easier.

The application, including all required materials, must be complete at the time of submission to be considered.  

Selection Criteria 

• Creates a Supportive Environment for the Practice of Nursing
• Influences the Quality of Patient Care
• Utilizes Professional Standards to Advance Nursing Practice
• Initiates Positive Recruitment and Retention Strategies
• Manages Effective Resource Utilization

Nominees must live and work in Pennsylvania to be considered.  

Nurses nominated for this new award are recognized for being the bridge between information technology and nursing practice. The nominees for this award will demonstrate how, in their role, they apply clinical nursing experience to ensure optimization of the electronic medical record and healthcare software systems. They serve as the safeguard of nursing practice as it applies to the electronic environment. They ensure the integrity and maximization of nursing documentation while adhering to nursing practice standards. They guide new technology and process implementation and steward all data and electronic health documentation processes related to nursing care.
 

Application Process: Please Read Carefully 

• Submit contact information for the nominee, nominator, and Director, CNO, or CEO. 
• Provide information about the nominee's education, certifications, community involvement, honors/awards, professional memberships, etc.
• Answer the required questions about the nominee's excellence in nursing.
• Obtain signatures from the following people: the nominator (yourself); the nominee/candidate; and the CNO, Director, or CEO. Download the signature form here (PDF). You will then upload the completed signature form, where indicated, toward the bottom of this submission form. NOTE: You can have everyone sign the form separately and upload multiple documents - each with one signature - if it is easier.

The application, including all required materials, must be complete at the time of submission to be considered.  

Selection Criteria 

• Creates an Environment that Supports Empowered Professional Practice
• Influences Quality Client/Patient Care Outcomes
• Utilizes Professional Standards to Advance Nursing Practice
• Contributes to the Profession of Nursing, and the Professional and Public Community

Nominees must live and work in Pennsylvania to be considered.  

Nurse administrators nominated for this award are recognized for creating and sustaining supportive environments for the practice of nursing in challenging and diverse arenas. The nominees for this award initiate positive recruitment and retention strategies and support a model of professional practice in their organization through their leadership, innovation, mentoring, and knowledge of the healthcare needs of their communities.  

The emphasis for this award category is on an upper level of nursing leadership and management (for example, CEO, CNO, or senior level leader, etc.), an individual who demonstrates visionary leadership, implements innovations, and promotes effective financial stewardship of operational human resources.  

Application Process: Please Read Carefully 

• Submit contact information for the nominee, nominator, and CNO, Director, or CEO, as appropriate. 
• Provide information about the nominee's education, certifications, community involvement, honors/awards, professional memberships, etc.
• Answer the required questions about the nominee's excellence in nursing.
• Obtain signatures from the following people: the nominator (yourself); the nominee/candidate; and the CNO, Director, or CEO. Download the signature form here (PDF). You will then upload the completed signature form, where indicated, toward the bottom of this submission form. NOTE: You can have everyone sign the form separately and upload multiple documents - each with one signature - if it is easier.

  The application, including all required materials, must be complete at the time of submission to be considered.   

Selection Criteria 

• Creates a Supportive Environment for the Practice of Nursing
• Influences the Quality of Patient Care
• Utilizes Professional Standards to Advance Nursing Practice
• Initiates Positive Recruitment and Retention Strategies
• Manages Effective Resource Utilization

Nominees must live and work in Pennsylvania to be considered.  

The search for knowledge holds promise for the future. Nurse educators nominated for this award demonstrate the ability to inspire nursing students and practicing nurses. They creatively stimulate students and colleagues to pursue the knowledge and skills needed to practice nursing compassionately and effectively.

 The emphasis for this award category is on scholarly research and dissemination of research through education, an individual who is an inspiration to students and cultivates a supportive learning environment.  

Application Process: Please Read Carefully 

• Submit contact information for the nominee, nominator, and CNO, Director, or CEO. 
• Provide information about the nominee's education, certifications, community involvement, honors/awards, professional memberships, etc.
• Answer the required questions about the nominee's excellence in nursing.
• Obtain signatures from the following people: the nominator (yourself); the nominee/candidate; and the CNO, Director, or CEO. Download the signature form here (PDF). You will then upload the completed signature form, where indicated, toward the bottom of this submission form. NOTE: You can have everyone sign the form separately and upload multiple documents - each with one signature - if it is easier. 

The application, including all required materials, must be complete at the time of submission to be considered.

Selection Criteria 

• Inspires students to pursue the knowledge and skills needed to practice effectively
• Maintains excellence in clinical practice
• Provides a creative and supportive learning environment
• Shares knowledge appropriately with others

Nominees must live and work in Pennsylvania to be considered.  

The search for knowledge holds promise for the future. Nurse educators nominated for this award demonstrate the ability to inspire nursing students and practicing nurses. They creatively stimulate students and colleagues to pursue the knowledge and skills needed to practice nursing compassionately and effectively.

  The emphasis for this award category is on promoting evidence-based practices within a clinical setting, an individual who strives for clinical practice excellence and shares knowledge with others.   

Application Process: Please Read Carefully 

• Submit contact information for the nominee, nominator, and CNO, Director, or CEO. 
• Provide information about the nominee's education, certifications, community involvement, honors/awards, professional memberships, etc.
• Answer the required questions about the nominee's excellence in nursing.
• Obtain signatures from the following people: the nominator (yourself); the nominee/candidate; and the CNO, Director, or CEO. Download the signature form here (PDF). You will then upload the completed signature form, where indicated, toward the bottom of this submission form. NOTE: You can have everyone sign the form separately and upload multiple documents - each with one signature - if it is easier. 

The application, including all required materials, must be complete at the time of submission to be considered.  

Selection Criteria 

• Inspires colleagues to pursue the knowledge and skills needed to practice effectively
• Maintains excellence in clinical practice
• Provides a creative and supportive learning environment
• Shares knowledge appropriately with others

Nominees must live and work in Pennsylvania to be considered.  

Nursing research is the foundation of current nursing practice and the basis for future nursing practice. Nominees for this award are committed to excellence in nursing practice through research. These nurse researchers receive grants and publish findings that enhance nursing practice education and patient care in academic and clinical practice settings. This award is open to nurses at any level conducting research.

Application Process: Please Read Carefully 

• Submit contact information for the nominee, nominator, and CNO, Director, or CEO. 
• Provide information about the nominee's education, certifications, community involvement, honors/awards, professional memberships, etc.
• Answer the required questions about the nominee's excellence in nursing.
• Obtain signatures from the following people: the nominator (yourself); the nominee/candidate; and the CNO, Director, or CEO. Download the signature form here (PDF). You will then upload the completed signature form, where indicated, toward the bottom of this submission form. NOTE: You can have everyone sign the form separately and upload multiple documents - each with one signature - if it is easier. 

The application, including all required materials, must be complete at the time of submission to be considered.

Selection Criteria 

• Conducts Research that Enhances Nursing Practice
• Utilizes Research Findings in Practice
• Assists Others in the Utilization of Nursing Research Findings
• Inspires/Supports Others in the Conduct of Nursing Research
• Communicates and Publishes Research Findings
• Acquires Research Grants

Nominees must live and work in Pennsylvania to be considered.  

In 1999, to further recognize exceptional nurses caring for patients, the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania added another accolade, The Patient Choice Award. In the Spring of that year, a press release was issued asking patients to write a letter describing a nurse who has touched their lives or the lives of their families in an unforgettable way. One nurse was chosen from the many letters which were received, and we've been requesting to hear your stories ever since!
 

Has a special nurse impacted YOUR life?

Write a letter with no more than 500 words, and tell us about your beloved nurse and the care they provided, as well as the impact they made on you and your family. If your letter is selected, you (the nominator) and the nurse will be invited to attend the annual Nightingale Awards Gala in Harrisburg to honor this special nurse. Your nurse will receive an acknowledgment never to be forgotten. This award is a time-honored tradition and a highlight of our gala!

Application Process 

• Write a letter describing a nurse who impacted you or a family member in an unforgettable manner. The chosen letter will be read aloud at the Awards Gala in the Fall. You may not nominate yourself or a member of your family.
• Provide the nurse's name and place of employment.
• Provide your contact information.
• PLEASE NOTE that within this nomination category, you may only nominate ONE INDIVIDUAL nurse within each submission, not a nursing unit or group of nurses. If you would like to nominate a team of nurses, please use the Patient Choice NURSING TEAM Award Nomination form.

In 1999, to further recognize exceptional nurses caring for patients, the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania added another accolade, The Patient Choice Award. In the Spring of that year, a press release was issued asking patients to write a letter describing a nurse who has touched their lives or the lives of their families in an unforgettable way. One nurse was chosen from the many letters which were received, and we've been requesting to hear your stories ever since!

 Now, after witnessing the amazing efforts of our front-line nurses during this pandemic, we are expanding the award category to include a team award. Please consider honoring either an individual nurse (using a separate nomination form) or a nursing team/unit (using this form) to receive this prestigious recognition.

Has a special nursing team impacted YOUR life?
 Write a letter with no more than 500 words, and tell us how this nursing team impacted you or your family. If your letter is selected, you (the nominator) and a spokesperson for the team will be invited to accept the award and honor this special group at the Nightingale Awards Gala. The team will receive an acknowledgment never to be forgotten. This award is a time-honored tradition and a highlight of our gala!

Nomination Process 

• Write a letter describing the nursing team who impacted you or a family member in an unforgettable manner. The chosen letter will be read aloud at the Awards Gala in the Fall. You may not nominate yourself or members of your family.
• Provide the nursing team or unit name, a contact name for that team/unit, and the hospital or facility name.
• Provide your contact information.
• PLEASE NOTE that within this nomination category, you may only nominate ONE NURSING TEAM within each submission. If you would like to nominate an individual nurse, please use the Patient Choice INDIVIDUAL NURSE Award Nomination form.

This award is unique because it is from a Pennsylvania nurse in gratitude for the transformative impact a person has made on their life and career in nursing. Starting in 2024, the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania (NAP) has added another distinguished award to their mission to celebrate nurses and nursing, The Jayne Felgen Legacy Award.

The intention of this award is to generate reflection by nurses and for them to lift up and recognize that one special person who touched them in a deep and meaningful way. Without that person’s insight and belief in them, making opportunities available, providing support, inspiration and guidance, this PA nurse might never have accomplished what they have. 

The following verse by Jason Versey from “A Walk with Prudence” immediately compels you to think and thank the person who made such a difference in the trajectory of your personal and professional journey.

      “When you believe in someone you profoundly increase their ability to

      have faith in themselves.

      When you love someone you imprint on their heart something so powerful 

      that it changes the trajectory of their life.

      When you do both you set in motion a gift to the world…because

      those who are believed in and loved, understand the beauty of a legacy, 

     and the absolute duty of paying it forward.”

This verse and its inherent values hold a deep-seated place in the heart of our founder, Jayne Felgen. It speaks to the power of reflection and gratitude. It illuminates those angels in our lives we might have overlooked, but without whom we might not be where we are today. It makes clear to us those who loved and cared for us in exceptional ways that were above and beyond the expected, the norm. And, when they both believed and loved you, it brought forth this gift to the world that is you! Now you are so deeply grateful for the impact on your life that you are committed to “paying it forward.” This person has modeled the way and has played a huge role in the nurse that is you who are making a difference every day. This special person IS the gift that keeps giving!

With our founder, Jayne Felgen, in mind, we have created the Jayne Felgen Legacy Award. We hope you are as excited as we are to present this inaugural annual award at the 2025 Nightingale Awards Gala to that special person who deserves to be acknowledged for helping you become the nurse that you are today! This Legacy Award is a profound grace note of thanks from you to the one most deserving!

We are asking nurses (RN/LPN) who live in Pennsylvania to nominate a person who has been influential in their career trajectory (anyone, anywhere, currently employed in PA or elsewhere, retired, or deceased) who has positively impacted their life, extolling the same ideals that inspired Jayne and others to found the Nightingale Awards of PA.

Although there may be several influential people in our lives that deserve this honor and recognition, only one can be nominated in each application. You may submit more than one application per year. Only one Legacy Award will be selected each year. What an amazing way to demonstrate the power of your introspection, gratitude, personal leadership, and commitment supporting others to be the best they can be.

If your nominee is selected to receive the Legacy Award, you (the nominator) and the person of influence in your life or their family or designate (the recipient) receiving the award will be invited to attend the annual Nightingale Awards Gala in Harrisburg. 

You and your nominee will receive a heartfelt acknowledgment, one that will never be forgotten, including an artistic memento to celebrate the occasion. This award will join the other prestigious nursing awards that have become the highlight of our gala! 

The award is open to Registered and Licensed Practical Nurses to nominate a person of their choice who has impacted your life and career in an extraordinarily positive way.

Application Process 

• Provide the nominee's name and contact information (their own or their family's, if deceased).
• Provide your contact information.
• Confirm agreement from the nominee to be nominated.
• PLEASE NOTE that within this nomination category, you may only nominate ONE INDIVIDUAL within each submission. You may nominate more than one person, but each nomination must be in its own form.
• This nomination is to be made BY A NURSE, but the nominee can be ANYONE who has impacted the trajectory of the nurse's career. Think family member, teacher, mentor, pastor, other nurse, etc.