The South Dakota Nurses Association sponsors eight separate annual awards for nurses, given during the SDNA Annual Convention in Yankton, October 2-3, 2011. Nominations for the following awards will be taken until August 1st. For complete award criteria please view the documents below or contact the SDNA office at (605) 945-4265.

• SDNA Hall of Fame Award recognizes an individual’s lifelong commitment to nursing and that commitment’s impact on the health and/or social history of South Dakota. Up to five nurses may be inducted each biennial year into the SDNA Hall of Fame. The nominee must have demonstrated leadership that affected the health and/or social history of South Dakota through sustained, lifelong contributions in or to nursing practice, education, administration, research, economics, or literature. The nominee must have been prepared in a formal nursing program, unless the contribution was made before 1873 when no formal training was available. The nominee must have worked in or represented South Dakota. Achievements of the nominee have enduring value to nursing beyond the nominee’s lifetime. (Nominees for the Hall of Fame Award may be living or deceased.)
  
• District Nurse of the Year Award was developed to recognize a nurse in each SDNA district who has contributed to the district and profession in a significant way. This award criteria and award winner is determined by each individual district.
  
• Distinguished Service Award is a specially designed document/plaque presented during a formal ceremony to acknowledge specific contributions and achievements of an individual or group. Presentation of the Award provides formal recognition of an SDNA member singled out by colleagues for accomplishments in a given field of endeavor. The Award may be awarded for professional achievement in nursing, outstanding contributions in the community, for dedicated service to the association, to name a few possible categories.
  
• Joy of Nursing Award recognizes the RN who, through the years of practice, continues to truly love all aspects of nursing.
  
• Nurse Educator Award: acknowledges a Registered Nurse who serves as a faculty member at one of the South Dakota Nursing Programs. The recipient is recognized by peers to be exemplary in the areas of teaching effectiveness and facilitating learning for students in nursing. This nurse also participates actively in professional nursing activities as well as, the community in which he or she lives, demonstrates leadership skills, has a strong ability to work with others, and is seen as a mentor for future nurse educators.
  
• Nursing Practice Award acknowledges RNs involved in direct patient care. The recipient, through strength of character, commitment, and competence, receives peer recognition as one who contributes to advancement of nursing practice. This nurse also participates in community and organizational affairs, demonstrates an ability to work with others, and has an innovative outlook.
  
• Pioneer in Nursing Award was developed to recognize the nurse who has contributed to the profession or to history by being the first so that others may follow. This award recognizes a nurse who exemplifies the spirit that motivates other nurses to follow on a path less traveled.
  
• Rookie of the Year Award is for the new SDNA member who has contributed energy and commitment to a District, Region, or Task Force.