Virginia Nurses Foundation 2026 40 Under 40 Award

From February 16th - May 18th, nominations will be accepted for the 2026 40 Under 40 Awards. The Virginia Nurses Foundation (VNF) will honor these nurses at their annual Gala, date and location for 2026 to be determined. 

Information from the 2025 VNF Gala held in Portsmouth, VA, can be found HERE, including photos, nominee names, recipients, and more.

Nominees must:

  • Be no older than 39 by December 31, 2026.

  • Hold a current valid nursing license.

  • Currently reside and practice in the state of Virginia.

  • Not be a previous 40 Under 40 award recipient. Previous nominees who did not receive the award are eligible.

    
Award Criteria

Nominees should have demonstrable achievements in the following areas:

  • Professional Practice
    Significantly or uniquely contributes to leadership within the nursing profession through clinical practice, education/teaching, administrative leadership, research, writing, publishing, policy involvement, and/or healthcare innovation.

  • Leadership
    Demonstrates leadership in the practice setting, community affairs, and/or nursing professional organizations, and in growth and development of others in these areas.

  • Impact
    Positively promotes and advances the nursing profession beyond the practice setting, including but not limited to: presenting a positive image of nursing to their community (local/global), volunteerism/outreach efforts, and/or legislative work/policy development. 

 

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION! 

Edited by: Rhonda Beyeler (rb2ea) Updated: April 18, 2025