The CNA Order of Merit Awards were inaugurated in 2008. These awards honour excellence in five domains of practice: clinical nursing practice, nursing administration, nursing education, nursing research and nursing policy. The awards were created to honour nurses who – through hard work, leadership, innovation and knowledge – have had a significant and sustained impact on the nursing profession and the practice of nursing in Canada.
In 2023, the CNA awards committee and board of directors approved new award categories and criteria. The Order or Merit Awards transitioned to recognizing individuals from each nursing category (licensed and registered practical nurses, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and registered psychiatric nurses). Please review the new criteria.