NSNA Daisy Award for Extraordinary Student Leader
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Presented by the National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA) in partnership with The DAISY Foundation
Deadline: February 11, 2026
Sponsored by Chamberlain University
Award Overview:
This award honors exceptional nursing students who demonstrate outstanding leadership at the state level, embodying the core values of compassion, dedication, and advocacy for patients and peers. NSNA state constituents may nominate one outstanding individual for the award. The recipient of this prestigious award will not only have impacted their state association but also set a national example through their work.
Selection Process:
The award committee, composed of representatives from both NSNA Board of Directors and The DAISY Foundation, will evaluate applications based on the alignment with the outlined criteria and the extent of leadership and compassion demonstrated both at the state and national levels.
This award provides an opportunity to recognize state nursing leader who exemplify excellence in leadership and compassion, impacting their state association and setting an example for the national community. It also highlights the meaningful contributions of student nurses who are committed to advancing the nursing profession.
Application Process:
Eligibility: Applicants must be active NSNA State Association Leaders and members in good standing. NSNA Board of Directors are not eligible.
Award Criteria:
NSNA State Association Leaders applying for this award must meet the following criteria, which align with both the leadership qualities promoted by NSNA and the core principles of The DAISY Foundation:
The winner of The Daisy Award will receive a certificate, pin, plaque and monetary award and will be announced during the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the 74th Annual Convention, Houston, TX.
Sponsored by Chamberlain University
Award Overview:
This award honors exceptional nursing students who demonstrate outstanding leadership at the state level, embodying the core values of compassion, dedication, and advocacy for patients and peers. NSNA state constituents may nominate one outstanding individual for the award. The recipient of this prestigious award will not only have impacted their state association but also set a national example through their work.
Selection Process:
The award committee, composed of representatives from both NSNA Board of Directors and The DAISY Foundation, will evaluate applications based on the alignment with the outlined criteria and the extent of leadership and compassion demonstrated both at the state and national levels.
This award provides an opportunity to recognize state nursing leader who exemplify excellence in leadership and compassion, impacting their state association and setting an example for the national community. It also highlights the meaningful contributions of student nurses who are committed to advancing the nursing profession.
Application Process:
Eligibility: Applicants must be active NSNA State Association Leaders and members in good standing. NSNA Board of Directors are not eligible.
Award Criteria:
NSNA State Association Leaders applying for this award must meet the following criteria, which align with both the leadership qualities promoted by NSNA and the core principles of The DAISY Foundation:
- 1. Impact on Nursing Education and Professional Development
Leads initiatives that foster professional development, mentorship, or educational opportunities for fellow nursing students within their state chapter.
Bonus: Creation of educational programs or resources that have been shared nationally or have the potential to benefit nursing students across the country. - 2. Exemplifying Compassion and Patient-Centered Care
Embodies The DAISY Foundation’s core values of compassion and commitment to delivering patient-centered care, not only in clinical practice but through chapter-led initiatives such as community outreach programs, patient advocacy, or public health awareness campaigns. - 3. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Actively promotes and advances initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the state association chapter, ensuring that underrepresented voices in nursing are heard and supported. Bonus: Leadership in DEI efforts that have contributed to national conversations or inspired other state chapters to take similar actions. - 4. Collaboration and Team Building
Demonstrates strong leadership in fostering collaboration among chapter members, state boards, or with other state chapters. This may include organizing events, conferences, or programs that bring together diverse student voices or strengthen the state's chapter engagement.
Bonus: Organizing or participating in events that have a broader, national impact or inspire collaboration across state borders. - 5. Sustainability of Leadership Efforts
Has established or contributed to sustainable programs or leadership efforts within the state chapter, ensuring continuity of positive impact beyond their term in office. This could include mentorship programs, lasting partnerships, or institutional changes that improve the student nurse experience.
Bonus: Leadership programs or initiatives that have been implemented nationally or adopted by other state chapters as best practices.
6. Demonstrated Resilience and Professionalism
Exemplifies resilience and professionalism in overcoming challenges, whether personal, organizational, or related to the healthcare environment, while maintaining a focus on nursing leadership and the betterment of the student nurse community.
The winner of The Daisy Award will receive a certificate, pin, plaque and monetary award and will be announced during the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the 74th Annual Convention, Houston, TX.
