Description & Instructions

Description: Each year, the NurseThink New Educator Award is given to a nurse new to the role of educator, who has less than three years of experience teaching nursing students, including both clinical and classroom instruction. Nominees should exhibit exceptional teaching skills, passion for the role of nurse educator, and demonstrated commitment to the profession and students.

The recipient of the NurseThink New Educator Award receives a check for $1,000.00. The recipient will also be recognized at the 2025 OADN Annual Convention, “Elevating Nursing Education: Embracing Change, Strengthening Community,“ at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in Nashville, TN, November 20-22, 2025.

Requirements: The nominee must meet the following criteria:
  • Be teaching in a half-time capacity, as defined by the employer, in an associate degree nursing program.
  • Hold a membership in OADN as an individual or through a program.
  • The nominee must have no more than three (3) years of teaching experience in an associate degree nursing program.
  • The nominee must currently spend 51% of their workload in direct student contact either in the classroom or clinical setting.

Instructions: To nominate an educator for consideration for the OADN Foundation NurseThink New Educator Award, individuals must submit the following materials on or before the application deadline of May 15, 2025:

  • Letter of Nomination: A letter, not to exceed 1000 words, addressing relevant criteria and recommending the nominee for consideration.

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Please include a current CV (see file upload instructions).

  • Supporting Materials: Any additional materials that support this nomination will be accepted and considered. Please limit to (3) three supporting documents. Please indicate criterion addressed on these materials when uploading files on the online application (e.g., student recommendations, colleague recommendations, awards, recognition, etc.)

  • Applicant Headshot: A current headshot photo (see file upload instructions) for marketing and/or ceremonial use only. OADN Foundation blinds the candidate headshot information to eliminate possible unconscious bias in the review process. In drafting your candidate statements, please note that your headshot will not be shared with reviewers. Only your application packet narrative and supporting documents will be accessible to reviewers.

  • W-9 Form When requested, Form W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification and Certification is needed: W-9 (Rev. October 2018) (irs.gov)


Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please complete all components of the application and submit it by the deadline of May 15, 2025, 8 PM Eastern.

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* 1. Name of Nominee (First, Middle Initial, Last Name):

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* 2. Nominee's Permanent (Preferred) Address:

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* 3. Nominee's Preferred Phone:

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* 4. Nominee's Preferred E-mail:

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* 5. OADN Membership Number:

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* 6. Type of OADN Membership held by nominee:

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* 7. Nominee's Employer Information:

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* 8. Name of Nominator (Individual completing application -First, Middle Initial, Last Name):

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* 9. Nominator's Preferred Phone:

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* 10. Nominator's Preferred E-mail:

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* 11. Letter of Nomination

PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF file types only.

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* 12. Nominee's CV:

PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF file types only.

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* 13. Supporting Materials - Letter 1

PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF file types only.

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* 14. Supporting Materials - Letter 2

PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF file types only.

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* 15. Supporting Materials - Letter 3

PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF file types only.

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* 16. Nominee's Headshot

PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF file types only.

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* 17. All applicants for an OADN Foundation award, scholarship or grant must submit a W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification and Certification Number if selected. I understand that I must submit a W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification and Certification Number when requested and I am able to comply with this request in a timely manner. Signed (name of applicant):

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* 18. I have read the application instructions and requirements thoroughly. I understand all application materials must be submitted on or before the deadline of May 15, 2025, at 8PM Eastern, to be considered. Signed (name of applicant):