2026 Commitment to Excellence Award Winners
Every day, healthcare professionals go the extra mile for their patients and teams. The Commitment to Excellence (CTE) Award is our way of celebrating these exceptional individuals who truly make a difference.
This annual award recognizes healthcare professionals who go above and beyond their standard duties. These clinicians elevate the standard of care. They show us what it means to lead with heart, adapt with ingenuity, and remain steadfast in the face of adversity.
We are thrilled to announce our 2026 Commitment to Excellence Award winners. Each of these extraordinary individuals embodies our core pillars: Passion, Compassion, Innovation, and Overall Excellence. Read their inspiring stories below.
Honoring Our 2026 CTE Award Winners
Liana C.
Award Category: Compassion
Liana truly embodies what the CTE Award is all about. With 24 years in nursing, Liana is dedicated to caring for patients and supporting her team. Her kindness, expertise, and heartfelt approach have led to multiple DAISY Award nominations.
Liana embarked on her travel nursing journey in 2016. She cherishes the opportunity to serve diverse communities across the United States. Traveling allows her to explore the country's national parks, mountains, and beaches while staying closely connected to her two grown children and extended family. Liana considers family paramount, and her loved ones frequently visit her in new cities. She reflects, “I love my work, and I am honored to be receiving this award with AMN Healthcare.”
Rochelle O.
Award Category: Innovation
Rochelle tackles every challenge with energy, teamwork, and real dedication to her patients. When asked to jump into an operating room specialty she hadn’t practiced for a while, she didn’t hesitate. She learned fast and delivered with professionalism and positivity.
With over 20 years of nursing experience, Rochelle has a passion for caring for others. She has enjoyed many roles throughout her career but finds surgical environments particularly rewarding. She shares, "I have always been interested in the OR and when I saw the opportunity, I went for it!" Her willingness to grow, open-mindedness to new ideas, and enthusiasm for cross-specialty contributions perfectly capture the essence of clinical innovation.
Lisa S.
Award Category: Overall Excellence
Lisa is a standout Labor and Delivery nurse with 25 years of experience. In 2022, she took the leap into travel nursing and quickly built strong connections everywhere she went. "I make the most of every moment. Travel nursing has been the best part of my nursing
career. I have had nothing but positive experiences, making workplace families all over the country."
Her resilience was tested when she received a breast cancer diagnosis just weeks before starting a new assignment in Washington. Determined not to let her team or patients down, Lisa bravely moved forward. She remained on assignment for seven weeks, delivering excellent care with grace and transparency. Eventually, she decided to return home to South Carolina for treatment. Supported by care packages and messages from former colleagues nationwide, Lisa remains one of nursing's biggest cheerleaders. Her daughter now follows in her footsteps, continuing a legacy of care. Lisa's courage and integrity make her deserving of our Overall Excellence award.
Nominate a Nurse
Know a clinician who goes above and beyond? Nominate your healthcare hero today!
Learn more about the program and submit your nominations for the next award cycle here: Commitment to Excellence Award
