Congratulations to our 2026 recipient!
Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is the recipient of the 2026 CNA Employer Recognition Award, honouring its sustained commitment to CNA specialty certification and nursing excellence. For more than three decades, SickKids has embedded certification into its culture as a marker of advanced expertise, professional accountability, and evidence-informed pediatric care. Nurses pursuing or maintaining certification receive financial assistance, protected learning time, mentorship, study support, grants, and recognition. Its Nursing Specialty Certification Grant Program supports up to 20 nurses annually, fostering lifelong learning and professional growth.
SickKids nursing leaders helped develop the first Canadian Pediatric Nursing Standards, which informed CNA’s pediatric certification exam, and its nurses continue to contribute to pediatric and pediatric critical care certification. Certified nurses serve as mentors, preceptors, educators, role models, and specialty leaders, strengthening colleagues, students, and new graduates. Through this enduring investment in education, leadership, and professional development, SickKids advances nursing practice and high-quality care for children and families across Canada while supporting better outcomes for generations to come.
Honourable mention
Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay
The Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay is recognized with an Honourable Mention in the 2026 CNA Employer Recognition Award program for its strong and growing commitment to CNA certification and nursing excellence across Eeyou Istchee in Quebec. Through financial assistance, educational opportunities, scheduling flexibility, mentorship, and leadership development, the organization supports nurses in advancing specialty knowledge and professional practice. Within its renal and hemodialysis programs, certification is embedded as a pathway to clinical leadership, continuous learning, and evidence-informed care.
CNA-certified nurses serve as valued mentors, sharing expertise with colleagues pursuing certification while supporting students, new nurses, and interdisciplinary learning in remote and northern settings. Their leadership also contributes to clinical practice, procedures, protocols, and quality improvement. Grounded in community-focused care and a commitment to Miyupimaatisiiun — health in all aspects of life — the organization strengthens nursing capacity and care delivery. Building on its success in nephrology nursing, it is steadily cultivating a broader culture of certification and specialty practice across additional nursing disciplines.