Nomusa Napier reflects on Receiving the 2025 Colleen Blums Award
Receiving the 2025 Colleen Blums Award was a deeply meaningful moment for Nomusa Napier, not only as recognition of her work in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) nursing, but as affirmation of a career dedicated to leadership, advocacy and compassionate care.
In the video accompanying this article, Nomusa reflects on what the award represents to her personally and professionally. She speaks to the importance of being recognised by peers within the Nurse Practitioner community and the value of organisations like Next Gen Nurse Practitioners in supporting ongoing professional development and connection.
Nomusa’s career spans complex and often under-resourced settings, including correctional health and community-based AOD services. Across these environments, she has demonstrated exceptional clinical skill, combining evidence-based practice with strong, values-led leadership. She is widely respected not only for her expertise, but for the way she supports and mentors others, particularly emerging Nurse Practitioners navigating the challenges of advanced AOD practice.
A passionate advocate for equity and culturally safe care, Nomusa has worked tirelessly to improve access and outcomes for marginalised communities. Her approach bridges systems and settings, ensuring continuity of care for people who use drugs and their families. She is equally committed to education and mentorship, generously sharing her knowledge to help build a resilient, skilled AOD workforce.
Nomusa’s dedication is also shaped by lived experience. As a parent, she understands the profound impact substance use disorders can have on families, and she brings this empathy into every aspect of her work. Whether through community education, advocacy to reduce stigma, or initiatives supporting women affected by trauma, her leadership is grounded in compassion and humanity.
Reflecting on the award, Nomusa acknowledges the role of Next Gen Nurse Practitioners in recognising excellence and fostering professional growth. “Support from organisations like Next Gen Nurse Practitioners is vital,” she shares. “They create spaces where Nurse Practitioners feel supported, connected and empowered to continue making a difference.”
The Colleen Blums Award recognises not only Nomusa’s outstanding contribution to AOD nursing, but her unwavering commitment to improving lives and strengthening the Nurse Practitioner profession. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact skilled, supported and compassionate Nurse Practitioners have on individuals, communities and the health system as a whole.
The 2026 Colleen Blums Excellence in Nursing Award will open on February 1, 2026. Learn more here.
