This week, McKnight’s opened up nominations for Women of Distinction, an annual event that honors women in long-term care. This year, though, is particularly special: It is the year McKnight’s Home Care is joining the program.

Besides McKnight’s Home Care, McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and McKnight’s Senior Living are holding the awards, which will culminate in a special live event. If you know a woman in the field who is outstanding and deserves to be recognized, keep reading. Workplaces for these newly eligible candidates include a home health or home care agency, a home hospice or palliative care organization, a Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly location or other relevant home care provider entity. 

Below are the various categories:  

Hall of Honor: Candidates should be senior-level professionals in the C-suite or at a level equivalent to vice president or higher and should have made a significant impact on their organization or the industry.

Veteran VIPs: Candidates should have more than 15 years of experience making an impact on home care, senior living or skilled nursing and should be at a level lower than vice president or its equivalent. Whether as a clinical supervisor, case manager, discharge planner or other position, they must have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the senior living and care industry through their accomplishments.

Rising Stars: Candidates must be aged 40 or or have fewer than 15 years of experience in the profession. Also, they must have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the senior living and care industry. These achievements/accomplishments may include, for example, managing a project, developing a campaign or contributing to the field via research or thought leadership.

This year will include an additional award, the McKnight’s Spirit Award, to recognize women who have demonstrated acts of bravery, courage, perseverance, dedication, determination or other admirable gesture. Up to five inductees will be chosen. The event will also include a Lifetime Achievement Award. 

If the above is not enough to inspire you, how about this? Nominations submitted by Dec. 8 will have an early-bird price of $69 per entry fee. (However, we certainly welcome contributions after. Nominations submitted between Dec. 9 and Jan. 5 will have a $99 entry fee. Nominations submitted between Jan. 6 and Jan. 12 will have a $129 entry fee.)

So, folks, now is your chance. There is likely a worthy nominee sitting at the next cubicle, attending a meeting or checking in on a patient as you read this. Tell the world why she is beyond compare through the McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards.

Liza Berger is editor of McKnight’s Home Care. Email her at [email protected] or follow her @LizaBerger19.