What is the highest award a nurse can receive?
There is no single answer, but the Florence Nightingale Medal, awarded by the International Committee of the Red Cross every two years, is widely described as the highest international distinction for nurses. Nominations come through national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, and it recognises exceptional courage and devotion, often in conflict or disaster, as well as exemplary service in public health or nursing education.
Well-known awards and how they work
- Florence Nightingale Medal (ICRC) International; nominated through national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies; every two years.
- ICN International Achievement Award Presented by the International Council of Nurses to nurses whose work has had international impact.
- The DAISY Award Patients, families and colleagues nominate nurses at participating healthcare organisations; recognises compassionate care.
- Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award Open to registered nurses worldwide through online application; a large cash prize and a public shortlist.
- Sigma International Awards for Nursing Excellence From Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing; see its site for eligibility.
- Nursing Times Awards (UK) Team and individual entries across many categories, judged by panels; there is also a student track.
How to choose which to enter
- Match the award to the work: courage and humanitarian service, compassionate bedside care, measurable improvement, education or leadership.
- Check who judges and on what. Published criteria and named judges are a good sign.
- Check fees and what they pay for. See our checklist for spotting vanity awards.
- Gather evidence once and reuse it: a clear baseline, what you did, a measured result and a verifier.
Where Evinca Honors fit
Evinca Honors recognise documented contribution: patient safety and quality, education, leadership, and early-career work. They are open to nurses and midwives alongside every other healthcare profession, in every country, with fees set by country income band and a free first cohort. They sit alongside the awards above rather than replacing any of them.
Quick answers
What is the highest honour in nursing?
The Florence Nightingale Medal from the International Committee of the Red Cross is widely regarded as the highest international distinction for nurses.
Are there international awards nurses can apply for themselves?
Yes. Some, such as the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award and Evinca Honors, accept applications directly; others, such as the Florence Nightingale Medal and DAISY, depend on nomination by an organisation, patient or colleague.