APRN Excellence Award
The APRN Excellence Award honors the outstanding contributions made by a advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) to the field of neonatal nursing through exemplary practice, leadership, service, and education.
The nomination period for the 2025 Awards is January 20—March 31, 2025.
Candidates will be able to meet the following criteria:
• Excellence in the practice and art of the APRN.
• Support and development of APRN functionality through role modeling, education, and mentorship.
• Creativity in managing and negotiating the complexity of APRN practice.
• Commitment to advancing the neonatal nursing practice by leadership contributions made at local, state, or national level.
Nomination and Selection Process:
NANN members can nominate a peer or self-nominate themselves for the APRN Excellence Award. Nominations must include one letter of recommendation and a CV. Submitted applications are shared with the APRN Award Selection Committee. Committee members review and score the applicants based on their ability to meet the award's criteria. View a template for the letter of recommendation here.
Recognition and Reimbursement:
The awardee will receive complimentary conference registration, airfare/ground transportation stipend of $500, housing stipend of $500, and a trophy at NANN's Annual Conference.
2024 Recipient:
Jacqueline Hoffman, DNP APRN NNP-BC
Click below to read more about Jacqueline.
Jacqui Hoffman is a distinguished professional with over 40 years of experience in neonatal health care. She holds a MSN in Perinatal/Neonatal Health from the State University of Stony Brook and a DNP from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Jacqui is an Assistant Professor at Rush University in Chicago, where she teaches in the NNP track – DNP Program. She maintains an active clinical practice with Oregon Health & Science University and leads the Advanced Practice Providers at PeaceHealth Southwest NICU in Vancouver, Washington.
A national leader, Jacqui has significantly contributed to the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) and the Florida Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (FANNP). She was a member of the original NANNP Council and has served as President-Elect, President, and Past President of FANNP, where she currently serves on the board of directors as a member-at-large.
Jacqui is renowned for her exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. She is actively involved in the NANN NNP Faculty Special Interest Group, mentoring new faculty members transitioning into teaching roles. She has authored several book chapters and is a nationally recognized speaker, involved in organizing multiple neonatal conferences annually.
Her caring nature, confidence, patience, and integrity, enable her to build meaningful connections within the NANN organization. Jacqui’s collaborative relationships with neonatal faculty, preceptors, and colleagues underscore her ability to thrive in team-oriented environments. Her dedication, passion, and remarkable abilities continue to positively impact the nursing profession. Congratulations to our 2024 APRN Excellence Award winner, Jacqui Hoffman!
Past Recipients:
2023 - Tracey Bell DNP APRN NNP-BC
2022 - Elizabeth McCutchon, EdD MS APRN NNP-BC
2021 - Michele Kacmarcik Savin, DNP APRN NNP-BC
2020 - Stephanie McGuire, MS APRN NP-BC
2019 - Susan Dell Almarode, DNP APRN NNP-BC
2018 - Kamela Loo, MSN APRN NNP-BC RNC-NIC CFNP
2017 - Linda McCarney, APRN MS NNP-BC
2016 - Susan Reinarz, DNP APRN NNP-BC
2015 - Suzanne Staebler, DNP APRN NNP-BC FAANP
2014 - Cindi Acree, APRN CNS DNP MED NNP-BC
2013 - Pamela Heaberlin, MS NNP-BC
2012 - Terri Russell, DNP APN NNP-BC
2011 - Carol Polinski, MS RN APN NNP-BC
2010 - Kristine Karlsen, PhD NNP-BC
2009 - Patricia J. Johnson, DNP MPH RN NNP
2008 - Laurie Roselli, CRNP BSN MSN