The TrueNorth Award

The TrueNorth Award was developed to recognize facilities that use certification as a “true north,” a guiding principle that encourages and supports perioperative nurses to be lifelong learners, models of competent practice, and advocates for patient safety and high-quality care. Facilities that earn the TrueNorth Award exhibit the highest standards of perioperative nursing excellence.

The TrueNorth Award consists of:

  • $1,500 award (to be used to celebrate certified nurses)
  • Award presentation by CCI Leadership
  • A commemorative recognition plaque
  • Press Release and Other CCI Communication Initiatives

Previous Winners


Eligibility Requirements

Healthcare organizations that employ certified perioperative nurses or have certified perioperative nurses as members and/or representatives are eligible to apply for this award. Organizations include but are not limited to hospitals, health systems, surgical services departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and units or divisions of a larger organization. Previous TrueNorth award winners are not eligible to apply for a period of 2 years. All applications are blinded to eliminate bias.

Important Dates

  • June 1, 2026: Applications open
  • August 31, 2026: Applications close
  • End of 2026: Applicants notified regarding results.

Categories of the Application Packet

Facility Support, Nurse Recognition, Professional Engagement, Professional Activities, Volunteer Service, Certification Ratios, and Knowledge & Expertise.

You can preview the application before getting started by downloading it here.

Check out our webinar to learn more about the TrueNorth application process! Should you have any questions, we welcome you to contact us at executive@cc-institute.org.