Nominations now open for the RCNi Nurse Awards 2018

The search for the best of the best in nursing is under way with the launch of the RCNi Nurse Awards 2018, the profession’s top accolade.

The awards offer a chance to nominate a colleague or team for their outstanding contribution to care or share excellent practice with the wider nursing community. Winning can raise the profile of a specialty, or the challenges faced by a particular patient group.

The 14 categories are open to nurses, midwives and health visitors registered to practice in the UK, nursing students and those working in health support roles, such as healthcare assistants.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Westminster Park Plaza Hotel in London on 4 July. The prestigious RCN Nurse of the Year, chosen from the category winners, will be unveiled on the night.

Ward sister at Morriston Hospital, Swansea Melanie Davies was named RCN Nurse of the Year 2017 for her work to improve the care given to people with learning disabilities.

Ms Davies, who also won the Learning Disability Practice award, has seen her care bundle and champions programme taken on by her health board and implemented throughout Wales. She developed the comprehensive initiative after her ward was criticised by the ombudsman after the death of Paul Ridd, who had learning disabilities.

'Overwhelming'

She says: ‘I am still a bit overwhelmed by winning, as I feel like I was just doing my job. It is such an honour.

‘It is a lovely legacy for Paul that he has made such a difference.’

The deadline for entries is 9 February 2018.

For more information and to enter