Our time to shine – nominate today

So, I am delighted that nominations are now open for the 2024 Awards.

Nominating a colleague or yourself is a great way to boost morale. Nominations reflect well on a whole team, ward or department. So much good work is being done every day by nurses and nursing support workers, most of whom don’t think they are doing anything out of the ordinary. Being nominated or shortlisted can help boost confidence and provide the impetus to continue to make positive changes for the people in our care. 

There is no better way to share the positive impact of being nominated than hearing directly from our recent winners.

RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year and winner of the Adult Nursing Award Amy Noble from NHS Highland, said: “Winning the Adult Nursing category and being named Scotland’s Nurse of the Year was a hugely humbling experience.  To read the nominations from colleagues I'd worked with over the years was so uplifting; the thought I'd made even a slight impact on their experiences on the wards was incredibly rewarding.  Nominating for the RCN awards is a way of recognising passion, pride and dedication to service whether that be in one setting or in a number of areas.  The experience was certainly one I will never forget, and I felt hugely honoured to be included.”  

The winners of Children and Young People Award, NHS Fife’s Children & Young People Community Nursing team said: “As a small team who are dedicated to providing excellent care for our patients and families, we feel very honoured, firstly to be nominated and secondly to then go on to win this prestigious RCN Award.  Amongst so many other deserving individuals and teams, having your hard work, dedication recognised is a such a privilege.”

Advanced Nurse Practitioner Michelle Dalgarno, winner of the Clinical Leadership Award said: “RCN Scotland Nurse of the year awards were the pinnacle of my nursing career.  To be nominated by my colleagues, was a very emotive experience, and going on to win clinical nurse leader of the year was the highlight of my career. The awards night was a true celebration of nursing excellence, and it was a real honour to be amongst so many inspirational Nurses. I have never felt prouder, to belong to the nursing profession. The RCN Scotland awards are a perfect opportunity to highlight excellence in our profession and honour the nurses who go above and beyond to ensure the highest standards of care are delivered."

Last but by no means least its time to hear from our Student Nurse of the Year, Lois Gaffney: “Winning this award was incredible! Student Nurses often face immense pressure in a work life already pressed for staffing and work conditions. I urge you to nominate any student nurses you feel are deserving of the award - their hard work and dedication should be highlighted early in their career and continue to be applauded throughout. Nursing staff should be recognised for the astounding work they do, and the RCN nursing awards is the perfect opportunity.”

Inspiring and moving words indeed. So don’t delay, find out more about what’s involved in making a nomination. Think about your colleagues who are providing excellent care every day. Reflect on your own practice and the difference you are making each and every day. I’m looking forward to seeing the nominations flooding in.