Omega Omicron Chapter

Omega Omicron Chapter Awards

Nominations are accepted via the application forms attached with each award description and via email to stella.nwachukwu@smsu.edu by February 15th 

Award Descriptions Below:

Berniece E. Morris Scholarship Award

Dr. Berniece E. Morris

Description:  The Berniece E. Morris Scholarship is an annual $300 Memorial Academic Scholarship for Registered Nurses that are continuing their education in a formal academic program (RN to BSN, MSN, EdD, DNP, PhD, etc.).

Dr. Berniece E. Morris was a Psychologist who also taught college psychology courses and inspired many nursing students during their psychology coursework in their pre-nursing courses.  Dr. Morris exemplified the characteristics of continuous self-improvement, generosity, and kind spirit.

Award Eligibility:

1. Must be an Omega Omicron member in active/paid standing
2. Must have a current nursing license and is currently practicing.
3. Must be accepted and enrolled in a formal academic program.

Award Criteria:

1. Provide a copy of a letter of acceptance to a formal academic program or evidence of current enrollment.
2. Complete a Berniece E Morris Memorial Scholarship Application form.
3. Summarize professional goals and ambitions in less than one page typed.
4. Current Resume.

Emerging Nurse Leader Award

Description:  The Emerging Nurse Leader Award recognizes a nurse who provides inspiration and demonstrate commitment to those they serve.

Award Eligibility:

1. A formal leadership role not required.
2. Must have a current nursing license and is currently practicing.
3. Must be a member of Omega Omicron Chapter in active/paid standing.

Award Criteria:

1. Must be able to demonstrate how achievements and contributions have benefited the practice of nursing.
2. Must be able to demonstrate participation in professional development.
3. Must be able to demonstrate the ability to step into a leadership role/position within their organization.
4. Must be able to demonstrate how they have played a prominent role in improving the health and well-being of the people that are served.

Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award

Description:  The Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award recognizes a nurse leader for their achievements in the profession and at their organization who demonstrates exemplary leadership in their healthcare specialty.

Award Eligibility:

1. May or may not have a graduate level degree.
2. May or may not have a formal leadership position in their organization.
3. Must be a member of Omega Omicron in active/paid standing.

Award Criteria:

1. Must demonstrate the ability to lead and/or influence change within their organization or community.
2. Promotes evidence-based practice and offers innovative solutions that improve healthcare delivery.
3. Encourages clinical expertise and interprofessional practice.
4. Fosters professional development in their clinical setting.

Outstanding Nursing Student Award

Description:  The Outstanding Nursing Student Award recognizes an individual nursing student who is enrolled in a nursing program currently and demonstrates a commitment to the advancement of their education in a nursing program. 

Award Eligibility:

1. Must currently be enrolled in a nursing program, either baccalaureate or graduate.
2. Must hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
3. Must be a member of Omega Omicron in active/paid standing.

Award Criteria:

1. The nominee must be able to provide two letters of recommendation from faculty of their school of nursing.
2. The nominee must provide a brief essay (250 words max) on their goals and aspirations as they relate to their education, career, and future plans.
3. The nominee must submit a complete application that includes all of the required documents.

Omega Omicron Policy:  Scholarship Awards

Purpose:  To establish a consistent process and practice with the charter’s giving of awards to recipients.

Procedure: 

1. The Awards Committee administers scholarships and awards that provide individuals with awards that assist nurses/students to complete or further their education or to recognize their achievements. 
2. The Omega Omicron Board of Directors will approve the values of awards and scholarships that are given out by the Awards Committee. 
3. Awards and scholarships are awarded based on dollars available in the scholarship fund and the number of individuals who apply.

Selection of Recipients

1. Recipients will be selected on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis. 
2. Active members are eligible to be nominated for awards, but may not take part in the selection process for awards in which they are nominated.

Selection Criteria

1. The selection criteria for awards are the specific standards used to identify qualified recipients who will be selected as award recipients.
2. The Awards Committee will be responsible for selecting award recipients based on the selection criteria.
3. Criteria for awards may include, but are not limited to, the following:
   1. Financial need
   2. Academic achievement
   3. Community/extracurricular involvement
   4. Leadership
   5. Work history
   6. Letters of reference/recommendation
   7. Addition information regarding the applicant’s career, academic, and/or other relevant experiences
4. The specific selection criteria will be identified for each specific award that is given. 
5. Award applications will reflect the selection criteria for the specific award.
6. Final approval of awards recipients will be made by the Omega Omicron Board of Directors.

Approved November 14, 2016 by Omega Omicron Board of Directors