Nursing schools have coped over the last several years with budgetary and human resources reductions, program changes and recruitment problems. Many schools have developed new approaches to nursing education and research and have incorporated emerging technologies into their programs. Some schools have entered into innovative and unique partnerships with colleges, the private sector, clinical sites, and other disciplines. The Academic Administrative Excellence award aims to promote individuals who are leaders in academic nursing management within CASN.

The Ethel Johns Award from CASN is named after the founding Director of the first university nursing program in Canada. It is given in recognition of distinguished service to nursing education in Canada. CASN has presented this award to outstanding nursing education leaders since 1988.

Fostering the highest standards in professional nursing education is a critical component of CASN’s mission. The objective of the award for Excellence in Nursing Education (permanent/tenure-track/tenured/term faculty positions and simulation/lab/clinical teaching positions) is to acknowledge the contributions and accomplishments of individuals to the realization of our mission and to promote and disseminate good practices in nursing education.

The promotion of nursing research is a critical component of CASN’s mission. The recognition of individual accomplishments in the research arena is an important means by which CASN can acknowledge contributions to the growth of nursing as a scientific discipline.

The Wendy McBride Award for Accreditation Reviewer Excellence was created by CASN in order to acknowledge the contribution of a former Executive Director, to CASN and to the CASN Accreditation Program.  The role of reviewers is critical to the success and credibility of the CASN accreditation program. Reviewers are expected to promote excellence in nursing education by assessing programs offered by schools of nursing against CASN accreditation standards. Demonstrating equality and support for the educational program in the role of site visitor and identifying those programs that demonstrate excellence in teaching and scholarly activity. Reviewers make a commitment to participate in at least two reviews during two consecutive years.