The Health Care Association of New Jersey (HCANJ) Annual Awards Program recognizes outstanding staff, residents, and volunteers who make meaningful contributions to long term care across New Jersey. Member centers that have participated in past years know how rewarding it is to celebrate their nominees during our Annual Convention Awards Ceremony.
Member centers are invited to nominate deserving individuals for the following awards:
- Administrator of the Year: Recognizes an administrator or executive director who demonstrates outstanding leadership, commitment to quality care, and meaningful contributions to the long term care profession.
- Nurse of the Year: Honors a licensed nurse (RN or LPN) who demonstrates exceptional dedication to resident care and significant contributions to the nursing profession within long term care.
- Spirit of Service Award/Caregiver of the Year: Recognizes an unlicensed staff member (such as CNA, housekeeping, maintenance, admissions, dietary, etc.) whose work significantly enhances the health, well-being, and quality of life of residents.
- Resident of the Year: Celebrates a resident who positively impacts fellow residents through leadership, encouragement, service, or by sharing talents that enrich community life.
- Volunteer of the Year: Recognizes an individual or group whose volunteer service significantly enhances the emotional, social, and psychological well-being of residents.
- **NEW THIS YEAR** Rising Star of the Year Award: Recognizes an early-career professional (with fewer than five years of experience in long term care) who demonstrates strong leadership potential, innovative thinking, and a commitment to enhancing the quality of care and life for residents.
Nomination Guidelines:
- Nominees must have been working, residing, or volunteering at the same member center for at least 12 months prior to nomination.
- Member centers may submit one or more nominations in any category. A separate nomination form must be completed for each candidate.
- All nominations must be submitted by June 30.
An independent panel of judges will review submissions and select winners. Awards will be presented during HCANJ’s Annual Convention Awards Ceremony at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City in October. Member centers are required to be registered to attend the Annual Convention.
Please do not publicly announce nominations until award recipients are officially announced.
Important Submission Notes
- Responses should focus specifically on why the nominee deserves recognition.
- Please answer each question in the space provided; separate narrative documents will not be considered.
- If your nominee is selected as a winner, you will be required to provide photos of the nominee demonstrating the activities described in the nomination on or around August 15.
DEADLINE
All nominations must be submitted by June 30.
For questions, please contact mackenzie@hcanj.org.