Each year OSHNA picks one school nurse who continuously "shines" their light in the area of school nursing, going that extra mile to provide much needed care for DoDDS students, parents, staff, and communities. The OSHNA School Nurse of the Year (OSHNA-SNOTY) award was created to emphasize the contribution of a school nurse, overseas, who has demonstrated excellence in school nursing practice. Each year the OSHNA SNOTY recipient's name is then submitted to the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) to be considered for National recognition.

The recipient needs to be a registered professional nurse currently practicing as a full time school nurse, overseas. A member of OSHNA and NASN for the current and proceeding year. Evidence of excellence in school nursing practice may include but is not limited to creative school programs/initiatives, professional involvement, professional development, political/Legislative contributions to the organization, community involvement and research.