While ethics has always been foundational to nursing’s practice it has rarely provided formal recognition to those outstanding individuals who have integrated ethics into their practice and work, whether in clinical, academic, or administrative roles.

The American Society for Bioethics and Humanities Nursing Affinity Group began to recognize a several nursing leaders over time, yet it was not formalized as an ongoing practice. In 2016, the Ethics of Caring board identified a need for this acknowledgement and awareness of this vital aspect of nursing practice, especially as a stimulus to create the next generation of nurses committed to inspiring ethics knowledge and skills. The first Ethics of Caring National Nursing Ethics Leadership Award was conferred in 2017.