The good news about the image of nurses is that the public trusts us; the bad news is that they aren't clear about what we do. Part of that is our fault. Nurses have a tendency to identify care that needs to be given, find a way to give it and move on quickly to the next patient or task. We are good at solving problems, especially if they involve stretching scarce resources or finding new ways to do things, but we spend little time recognizing our own abilities and contributions and even less time talking about them.

The annual NURSEWEEK Nursing Excellence Awards event provides the opportunity for us to recognize nursing achievements and, at the same time, tell others the wonderful things done by nurses in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. These awards honor nurses in eight categories:

Advancing the Profession: Contributions that have advanced and strengthened nursing as a profession.

Clinical Care: Excellence in direct care delivery in any clinical setting.

Community Service: Significant professional or voluntary contributions that have improved patient care.

Innovation/Creativity: Innovative and creative contributions that have improved patient care.

Leadership: Exceptional leadership of nursing or patient care services in any setting.

Mentoring: Providing a positive professional influence, guidance and support of other nurses in any setting.

Patient Advocacy: Going beyond the call of duty to advocate for patients.

Teaching: Significant contributions in education, professional development and/or long-term learning of nursing professionals.

Anyone can nominate a nurse in any of the categories. To nominate a nurse, fill in the form on Page 28, or visit our Web site at www.nurseweek.com.

I am often asked, "What makes a winning nomination?" The more you can tell our judges about the person you're nominating, the better. Remember, the judges (all experienced RNs) know nothing about your nominee other than what you tell them, so use the nomination to paint a verbal picture of why he or she deserves recognition. Give examples of how the nominee has exhibited qualities of the category for which you are nominating them. Most of all, speak from your heart.

The deadline for nominations is Aug. 15, when we will submit the nominations to our judges to review. Finalists in each category will be named and invited-at NURSEWEEK's expense-to attend the Nursing Excellence Awards gala Nov. 15 in Dallas. At this wonderful evening dedicated to celebrating nurses and nursing, the winners in each category will be announced.

Before we can tell the public about the fantastic work of nurses, we first must tell each other. Please take a few minutes to nominate someone you know who exemplifies the good in nursing for one of our Nursing Excellence Awards. They will feel honored and you will contribute to spreading the word about what nurses do.

Discuss this and other topics with your colleagues at www.nurseweek.com/rnvillage.