Clinical Excellence Award

The Australian College of Critical Care Nurses (ACCCN) Clinical Excellence Award recognises critical care nurses who consistently deliver outstanding care and make a meaningful difference to patients, families, and teams.

This award is about clinical practice, recognising nurses who demonstrate excellence through their everyday work, professionalism, and commitment to critical care.

Nominations can be made by colleagues or patients.

Nominations are now open – COMPLETE NOMINATION HERE

Key Dates

• Nominations open: 1 February 2026 
• Nominations close: Midnight, 10 March 2026
• State recipients announced: 20 April 2026
• National recipient notified: 25 May 2026
• National recipient announced: 30 September 2026 (WFPICCS World Congress/ANZICS ACCCN ASM)

State Award

Each state recipient will receive:

• A certificate of recognition
• A monetary prize of $300

All state recipients progress to consideration for the National Clinical Excellence Award.

National Award

The national recipient will receive:

• A certificate of recognition
• A monetary prize of $2,000
• Complimentary registration to the WFPICCS World Congress / ANZICS ACCCN ASM (Travel and accommodation at the recipient’s expense)

The National Award will be announced in September 2026.

Eligibility

• Nominees must be current financial members of ACCCN which will be verified
• Nominations must include the nominee’s name and contact details
• Nominations may be submitted by colleagues or patients

What does the nomination involve?

Nominations are submitted in writing and should include:

• The nominee’s name and contact details
• A written statement describing how the nominee demonstrates clinical excellence

Supporting material is welcome but not required, and may include:

• Short supporting statements
• Examples of innovative practice or quality improvement
• Education initiatives or project outcomes
• Anecdotal evidence, including patient feedback

Clear, honest examples of everyday excellence are encouraged.

Assessment criteria

Nominations are assessed against the four domains of the ACCCN Practice Standards:

1. Professional Practice

Demonstrates professional, ethical, and accountable practice while protecting the rights of patients and families.

2. Provision and Coordination of Care

Provides holistic, patient- and family-centred care addressing physiological, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs.

3. Critical Thinking and Analysis

Applies specialised knowledge, sound clinical judgement, and evidence-based practice to complex clinical situations.

4. Collaboration and Leadership

Contributes to the development of self and others through formal or informal leadership, education, and teamwork.

Selection process

• Each ACCCN State Branch convenes a review panel to assess nominations
• State recipients are selected and announced in April
• State nominations are then reviewed by a national panel convened by the ACCCN Board
• Any conflicts of interest are declared and managed
• The ACCCN Board’s decision is final.

Award presentation and promotion

The National Award will be presented at the WFPICCS World Congress / ANZICS ACCCN ASM in September 2026.

With appropriate consent, award recipients and nominations may be featured in:

• • ACCCN publications
  • Newsletters
  • Social media and promotional materials