In 1989, Jayne (Carson) Felgen, Chief Nursing Officer at (the former) Osteopathic Hospital in Lancaster, recognized the need to promote and support nursing in Pennsylvania, as an essential strategy to recruit and retain nurses, in order to meet the state's future healthcare needs. Jayne and other visionary nurse leaders were the driving force behind the establishment of the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania (NAP) -- a statewide, non-profit organization, focused on recognizing exemplary nursing practice, and granting scholarships to students pursuing degrees in nursing at all levels. A volunteer Board of Trustees, consisting of individuals who are leaders in nursing, business, industry, and other healthcare fields, has guided the organization since its inception. Over the past thirty-five years, NAP has provided more than 220 nursing scholarships totaling over $525,000 and has honored more than 800 Pennsylvania nurses at its annual gala. 
​
"The greatest heroes are those who do their duty in the daily grind of domestic affairs whilst the world whirls as a maddening dreidel."
Florence Nightingale

2025 Key Dates and Information

Nightingale Award Nominations Are Open

• Visit our Awards page for details about the criteria. Plan to nominate a stellar nurse next year!
• Congratulations to our 2024 Award Winners!

2025 Scholarship Applications Are Now Closed.

• Visit our Scholarships page for criteria and details.
• Congratulations to our 2024 Scholarship Recipients!

36th Annual Nightingale Awards Gala

• Save the Date for the 2025 Awards Gala: October 24, 2025!
• Details from last year, including pictures and winners, available on the Awards Gala page.
• Everyone is invited to celebrate nursing with us!

Sponsorships and Gala Program Opportunities AVAILABLE!

• Sponsor a Nursing Award or Scholarship.
• Place a half- or full-page ad in our Gala program booklet.
• Submit a tax-deductible donation.
• Visit our Support Us page for details.

THANK YOU TO OUR 
2024 GALA PRESENTING SPONSOR
JEFFERSON HEALTH!