Nursing Excellence Awards

Frequently Asked Questions
THE PURPOSE
The purpose of the New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards is to recognize excellence in nursing practice and honor nurses for the contributions they make to their organizations, communities, and the state. Created by nurses for nurses, the Nursing Excellence Awards have honored over 3,300 New Mexico nurse nominees since its creation in 2005.
ATTIRE
This event is black tie, bolo tie, ballgown optional—meaning it’s a night to dress up in whatever makes you feel your best. To get a better sense of the event, you can view Ray Mares’s photos from last year’s gala at this link.
THE GALA
The 20th Annual New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards will be presented at a gala dinner on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at the Sandia Resort & Casino, 30 Rainbow Road, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113. Click here for a map and directions.


5:30 PM Reception 
7:00 PM Dinner and Awards Ceremony

Seats: Seats are $125 each. With your purchase, you are reserving seat(s) at a designated table. When nominees check in, they will receive the table number assigned to them and their guests. A seating chart will be available at the event, and name cards on each table will list the guests seated there. Volunteers will be on hand to assist guests in finding their seats. Each table seats 10. If you’re interested in purchasing a full table, please contact us directly.

Hotel: Sandia Resort and Casino, 30 Rainbow Road, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113 (map and directions)

COMPLIMENTARY VALET
Valet parking is complimentary for all our guests, and can be accessed at the hotel main entrance, located on the EAST side of the building. Parking is available in the lots along the south side of the property. Click here to download a map to the East entrance and valet parking.
WELCOME RECEPTION
The reception starts at 5:30 pm. During the reception we will have raffle baskets (which you can preview now) on display to view; we will have both a a photo booth as well as a 360 photo booth to take pictures of event attendees; and long-time NEA artist, De Haven Solimon Chaffins, will be available to sign posters of this year's artwork.
RAFFLE BASKETS
You can view our raffle baskets here. Raffle tickets are $25 for one ticket, $100 for five tickets, and $250 for fifteen tickets. Tickets can be purchased by credit card only; cash and checks will not be accepted. Your raffle ticket purchase will appear as “DELTA” on your credit card statement. You can buy tickets now, and volunteers will also be available at the event to help you purchase raffle tickets by credit card. Please note that raffle tickets apply only to the specific basket under which they are purchased.

 

ITEM PICK UP
If you purchased a tumbler or poster, or if you won a raffle, please stop by the Information Table at the Gala to collect your items. All items must be picked up before you leave, as the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence does not mail or hold items for later pickup.
THE BENEFICIARY
Proceeds of the Nursing Excellence Awards support the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence (NMCNE). The NMCNE is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance and engage the nursing community to promote excellence and improve the health of all New Mexicans.

Payment and Refund Policy