NEW MEXICO

CENTER FOR NURSING EXCELLENCE

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The New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence champions and honors nurses and is a recognized leader and change agent in advancing innovative nursing education, practice, and work environment models. The Center for Nursing Excellence convenes and facilitates dialogue and action that results in excellence in nursing education, practice and work environment.

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Group of women at an awards ceremony on stage with certificates and purple ribbons, with a flower arrangement and awards table in front, digital screens displaying 'New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards' in the background.
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The mission of the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence (NMCNE) is to advance and engage the nursing community in order to promote excellence in nursing and improve the health and well-being of all New Mexicans. Through education, recognition, collaboration, and innovation, we support nurses at every stage of their careers and strengthen the profession as a whole.

As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, NMCNE is sustained by the generosity of partners, individuals, and organizations who share in our vision. Our work is made possible through donations, fundraising activities, and grants, all of which help us expand opportunities for nurses and nursing students throughout the state. Contributions to the Center may be tax-deductible and directly fuel initiatives that shape the future of nursing in New Mexico.

Our Story
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The 2025 Nursing Excellence Awards Gala is set for April 11, 2026, at Sandia Resort & Casino. Nominations are open now through November 21st. Learn more by checking out the nomination category criteria and prepare to nominate your favorite nurse today.

Nursing Excellence Awards

Reserve Your Seat to the Gala
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The annual Nurse Educators Conference is a premier event dedicated to advancing the field of nursing education. Held every June, this two-day conference offers a unique opportunity for nurse educators to enhance their professional skills, network with peers, and stay abreast of the latest developments in nursing education. The conference features both a clinical and an academic track, catering to a wide range of interests and professional needs.

Nurse Educators Conference

Learn More and Register Here
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Generously funded by the New Mexico Board of Nursing, the Nightingale Award supports the future of nursing with a $2,500 stipend. These stipends honor nursing students for their dedication to the profession, academic achievement, and commitment to community service. The 2025 application period will be open from August 11th to September 26th. Prepare your application by reviewing the eligibility details and requirements below.

Nightingale Awards

Learn More About Nightingale Awards
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ABOUT NMCNE

The New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence champions and honors nurses, serving as a recognized leader and catalyst for advancing innovative approaches in nursing education, practice, and work environments. Guided by a commitment to excellence, the Center supports the growth and impact of nursing across New Mexico by encouraging creativity, fostering leadership, and celebrating the vital role nurses play in every community.

As a convener and facilitator, the Center creates space for meaningful dialogue and collective action. By bringing together educators, practitioners, and healthcare leaders, we build bridges across the profession and shape solutions that elevate nursing education, strengthen practice, and transform work environments. In doing so, we ensure that New Mexico nurses are empowered to thrive today and prepared to lead the future of healthcare.

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At the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence, we honor the legacy of nurses past, uplift the dedication of nurses today, and illuminate the path for the next generation of caregivers across our state.