Honoring Nursing Leadership: 2026 40 Under 40 Awards

The Nebraska Nurses Association and the Nebraska Organization of Nursing Leadership will recognize 40 emerging nurse leaders who are under 40 years of age from across the state of Nebraska by awarding the 40 Under 40 Awards during the 2026 NNA Annual Convention in Kearney on October 1 and 2, 2026. Awardees will be honored during the breakfast on October 2, 2026.

Nomination Deadline: July 7, 2026 at 11:59 pm CST. Please note we are unable to accept nominations after this deadline.

Awardees will be required to register and cover registration fees for the NNA Annual Convention in Kearney on October 1 and 2, 2026 and are responsible for their own hotel, travel and other related expenses. Guest tickets will be available to purchase during the registration process for family and friends to join the awardee for the Awards Breakfast on Friday, October 2.

  • Currently licensed as an LPN or RN in the state of Nebraska younger than 40 years of age by September 30, 2026.
  • Significantly or uniquely contributes to leadership within the nursing profession through clinical practice, education and teaching, administrative leadership, research, writing/publishing, policy involvement/self-governance, and/or healthcare innovation.
  • Demonstrates leadership/contributions in community affairs, nursing professional organizations, and/or assisting others’ growth and development in these areas.
  • Positively promotes and advances the nursing profession in the community (local/regional/national/global) through volunteerism or outreach efforts.
  • Involved in local/state/organizational policy development or legislative work.
  • Expectation that the awardee will participate in a nursing professional organization.
  • Self-nominations will require 1 (one) letter of reference which addresses the nominator’s four qualification questions.
  • Previous award recipients are not eligible.