Top 10: The most popular articles of 2019
As the year – and decade – draws to a close, we look back at the ten most popular articles from the past 12 months
The RCNi Nurse Awards celebrate the best in nursing, and so it's fitting our awards took the top spot as the most popular article of 2019.
Elsewhere shift patterns, sepsis guidance, Nursing and Midwifery Council hearings and the case of a nurse who offered to pray for patients, all feature in our most-read articles.
And who could forget the uplifting video of a nursing student singing at a patient's bedside?
Revisit our most popular stories of the year below.
1. RCNi Nurse Awards 2019: find out who is in the finals
In April, we revealed the finalists of the RCNi Nurse Awards 2019, which showcase innovation, talent and skill across the nursing profession. The awards spanned 16 categories this year, including emergency nursing, child health and cancer nursing.
2. Government drops its language test requirement for overseas nurses
In September, the government announced plans to scrap its language test for nurses from 1 October, meaning those who want to work in the UK will only have to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s language requirements.
3. NMC promises to change wording of ‘curt’ registration letter
Earlier this year, the nursing regulator revealed plans to change the wording of a registration letter following complaints that it struck an ungrateful tone.
4. Nurse who offered to pray for patients was fairly dismissed, Court of Appeal says
A Christian nurse who was sacked after offering to pray for patients waiting for surgery was fairly dismissed by her trust, the Court of Appeal ruled in May.
5. Sepsis guidance: what nurses are now required to do
All NHS trusts in England are now contractually obliged to comply in full with sepsis advice in a bid to improve accountability. Our clinical update breaks down the implications for nurses.
6. Nurses fear shift pattern changes will double their extra hours every month
Changes to shift patterns for nurses at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust could compromise the health and well-being of staff, the RCN warned in August.
7. NMC throws out cases against nurses accused of failing to speak up about short-staffing
Liverpool Prison colleagues had faced fitness to practise hearings after reviews revealed poor care, but the case was thrown out by the regulator in August.
8. Off-guard image of exhausted midwife goes viral
An image of an exhausted midwife went viral earlier this year for its stark portrayal of the effect on the individual of long hours and intense workload.
9. Footage of nursing student singing to a patient wins her praise for person-centred care
A nursing student won praise for her person-centred care after footage of her singing at a patient's bedside went viral in May.
10. Nike launches a range of shoes to support nurses during long shifts
In November, Nike unveiled a range of footwear to support nurses and other healthcare professionals during long shifts. Testing by healthcare staff informed the design of their fit, cushioning and traction.
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