Excellence in New Knowledge, Innovations, and Improvements Award

Purpose of Recognition:

• To recognize a nurse who has participated in the implementation of evidence-based practice or nursing research in their area. 

Eligibility:

• Direct care and non-direct care nurses
• Nominees must have been employed by University Medical Center for at least 12 months at time of nomination submission.
• Nominees must have completed their area orientation by the time of nomination submission.
• Examples provided must have occurred within the last 24 months.
• The nominee’s manager/direct supervisor must support the nomination.
• Any individual who works with the nominee may submit a nomination for this award.

Criteria:

• Nomination exemplars must have a minimum of 2000 characters with spaces and include specific examples for each criterion to be eligible. 
• These examples should have occurred within the last 24 months and be written as narratives or stories consistent with the award criteria. 
• Any clinical acts referenced must be consistent with policies and procedures outlined by UVA Health University Medical Center.
• Any language that disparages other individuals, teams, or departments will not be considered.

Written nominations should demonstrate:

• COMMITMENT: Demonstrates commitment to promoting and implementing evidence-based practice and/or nursing research in partnership with experts. This may also include contributions to organizational decision-making and design of technology solutions.
• KNOWLEDGE SHARING: Serves as a resource for others in understanding of evidence-based process and nursing research resources. Demonstrates competent use of technology in the delivery of patient care and serves as a resource and provides troubleshooting support to others. Participates in education of others in implementation of new technology as applicable.
• VALUE TO NURSING: Incorporates evidence and nursing research when initiating changes and improving quality in nursing practice. Describe the merit of the project (research project or other project), practice change, new technology, or dispersing of new knowledge and its impact on team or patient outcomes. 
• MEASURABLE OUTCOMES: Describe any specific outcomes that were improved resulting from the project, practice change, or dissemination. How does the project or practice change contribute to organizational strategic goals?