Honorary doctorate for England’s chief nurse Jane Cummings

England’s chief nurse Jane Cummings has received an honorary doctorate in recognition of her ‘outstanding career in nursing’.

Professor Cummings was awarded the accolade from Bucks New University at a graduation ceremony on 9 September.

Since being appointed chief nursing officer in 2012, she has introduced the Care Makers initiative to recruit a national network of volunteers, as well as the 6Cs – care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment. The 6Cs is a set of values that underpin the Compassion in Practice strategy for nursing, midwifery and care staff.

Passion

On collecting the doctorate from the university’s faculty of society and health, Professor Cummings said: ‘I am so proud to be a nurse and am passionate about our profession.

‘Whatever our particular role is, we can make a difference and have a critical role to play in compassionate and safe care for patients, whether in direct care-giving, commissioning, policy, research or education.’

Inspirational figure

Faculty dean Sue West said: ‘Jane is an inspiring role model for our students because her aspirations have demonstrated true commitment to the nursing profession.’

It is the second honorary doctorate to be given to Professor Cummings, who already holds one from Edge Hill University.