05/20/2026
Secretary of VA's Awards for Excellence in Nursing & for Advancement in Nursing Programs
The VA Secretary's Awards in Nursing Excellence program, established in 1984, annually honors one Medical Center Director, Nurse Executive (NE), Registered Nurse (RN) in a staff nurse role and one in a non-staff nurse role, i.e. advanced practice nurse, nurse manager, instructor, etc., a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), and a Nursing Assistant (NA) or Healthcare Technician actively engaged in the care of patients at a VA Medical Center (VAMC). The recipients' contributions to the care of patients in any VA health care setting are patient-driven and demonstrate such excellence as to merit recognition from peers. This award is given only once to an individual.
The Secretary's Awards consists of three major areas: Excellence in Nursing, Advancement of Nursing Programs by a Medical Center or Health Care System Director, and Advancement of Nursing Programs by a Medical Center or Health Care System Nurse Executive. The award categories for Medical Center or Health Care System Director and Medical Center or Health Care System Nurse Executive were added in 1993 and 2003, respectively. The Health Care Technician (HCT) was included in the Nursing Assistant award category in 2006.
The DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Award and the DAISY Nurse Leader Award Programs meaningfully celebrate extraordinary and compassionate nurses, recognizing those unique moments that make a profound difference in the lives of patients, families, and communities around the world. Every day, nurses go above and beyond, delivering not only clinical excellence but also compassion and empathy in the care they provide.
The DAISY Award honors direct care nurses for their unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care and kindness. Additionally, the DAISY Nurse Leader Award specifically recognizes nurse leaders—such as nurse managers, educators, and administrators—who create an environment where compassionate and skillful nursing practice thrives.
Through these awards, The DAISY Foundation expresses deep gratitude for all that nurses and nurse leaders do, providing a meaningful way to thank and celebrate the impact they have on those they serve.