AONL Prism Award

The AONL Prism Award recognizes organizations that support the strategic objectives of addressing disparities in health care outcomes, healthy work environment, nurse well-being and safety across all roles and settings, within the nursing profession, health care organizations or community. Honorees demonstrate the ability to hold multiple perspectives without judgement based on age, spirituality, cognitive/physical ability, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. Honorees also demonstrate work that strengthens the nursing workforce and contributes to improved care in the communities they serve.

The Prism Award winning-organization will receive a $5,000 donation.

Eligibility Criteria

An organization nomination must be submitted by a current AONL member.
Organizations include, but are not limited to: hospitals, health systems, clinics, long-term care, ambulatory care, academia, hospice care, etc.
- Although industry partners are not eligible to receive the award, we deeply value the contributions they bring to the field. By sponsoring the Prism award, industry partners have the opportunity to champion this critical work. A portion of each sponsorship goes directly to the award winner, helping extend their impact and advance progress across the nursing profession and the communities they serve.

The Prism Award is sponsored by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Nomination Process

Any AONL member may nominate an organization for the award by submitting a form including the following attachments:

Description summarizing the nominee's qualifications with respect to the award criteria listed in the application.

1000 word maximum

Letter of recommendation demonstrating the nominee's qualifications.

E.g. a letter from CEO, supervisor, mentee, etc.

Supporting materials demonstrating nominee's work.

Supporting materials include an overview of a program, additional letters of recommendation, articles, etc.

AONL staff or Award committee members may not submit a nomination.

Selection Process

The Awards committee will select the Prism award winner using a Likert scale and the below submission criteria.

AONL Guiding Principles

Addressing Disparities in Health Care Outcomes

The organization actively implements strategies to reduce disparities in health care outcomes for diverse populations.

Creating Healthy Work Environments

The organization fosters a work environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of all staff members, ensuring a supportive atmosphere. The organization demonstrates a commitment to the well-being and safety of nurses across all roles and settings, addressing their specific needs and concerns.

Embracing and Multiple Perspectives

Honoree exhibits openness to multiple perspectives without judgment based on: age, spirituality, cognitive/physical ability, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status.

Strengthening the Nursing Workforce

The organization engages in initiatives that enhance the nursing workforce, ensuring a robust and capable community of nursing professionals.

Contribution to Community Health Improvement

The organization’s efforts lead to significant improvements in health care quality and outcomes within the communities it serves.

AONL Nurse Executive Competencies

Maintains a work environment that recognizes and values staff, physicians, patients and communities.

Indicators exist for cultural competency and the individual monitors progress to goals.

Utilizes population data to identify cultural clusters and the application of culturally-based care.

Policies and processes are in place which incorporates cultural beliefs into care.

Serves as lead person (champion) in the dissemination of cultural competency principles.

Process exists for the application of evidence-based practice and incorporation of best practices in patient care and the reduction of health care disparities