The CNA board of directors is responsible for honouring those who have made profound and impactful contributions to the nursing profession.
Sapphire Award: This prestigious award was introduced in 2025 and recognizes nurses who have made significant, sustained, and innovative contributions to nursing and the health care of people in Canada and/or the global population.
CNA Order of Merit Awards: These four awards were inaugurated in 2008 and modified in 2025 to honour excellence in clinical nursing practice. One awardee is selected from each regulated nurse category.
Future of Nursing Awards: These four awards were created in 2025 to honour excellence by student nurses from each regulated nurse category.
CNA Values Awards: These three awards were created in 2025 to honour nurses from any nursing category who exemplify one or more of the following CNA values: courage, diversity, equity, inclusion, and innovation.
Legacy of Excellence Award: This recognition award was introduced in 2025 and is presented to an organization or association whose long-standing contributions have had a transformative impact on nurses to advance the profession, the health of Canadians, and a healthier environment and society.
Certification Employer Recognition Award: The CNA Certification Program created this annual award in 1999 to honour employers who have demonstrated exemplary support for the certification process in nursing specialties.