Vote for the photo that captures nursing today

The RCN wants members of the public to choose the photograph they think defines nursing in the 21st century.

The college’s Care on Camera competition, part of its centenary celebrations this year, received more than 800 entries from photographers of all levels of ability.

Judges have narrowed the field to a shortlist of 50 striking images, and members of the public can now vote for a winner in the People’s Choice category, which carries a prize of £500.

The shortlist includes images that capture a nurse putting on personal protective equipment to treat Ebola patients in Sierra Leone, a critical care nurse supporting a spinal cord injury patient during a rescue drill on water, an elderly hospital patient playing his violin to nursing staff, and a paediatric district nurse trudging down a muddy countryside path to visit a patient (see above 'The Hard Slog').

The shots were selected by a panel of judges that included RCN general secretary Janet Davies, BBC journalist Huw Edwards and NHS Employers chief executive Danny Mortimer.

Gold, silver and bronze awards, as well as a 15 years and under category, have already been decided, with prizes ranging from £1,000 to £250. All the winners, including the People’s Choice, will be announced at RCN congress in June.

The shortlisted snaps will then feature in a touring exhibition that will visit schools, libraries and healthcare settings across the UK.

Ms Davies said: ‘I was impressed by the quality of entries, each reflecting the complexity and diversity of nursing in 2016.

‘This competition is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the work of UK nursing staff during the RCN’s centenary year – and to recognise the impact they make every day to their patients, their colleagues and their communities.’

To see the shortlist and to vote, click here