To assist in creating a nomination that will stand out before submitting online, why not try our nominator help sheet for this award.

This award aims to recognise a Registered Nurse who has made an outstanding contribution to care within the Independent Sector in Wales. Nominees will be a Registered Nurse who is committed to providing the highest quality care within the Independent Sector, to improve quality of life.

In addition to supporting the patient, the nominee will work with and support the patient’s family and/or friends, and work as part of the wider multidisciplinary team.

WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?

Either a Registered Nurse who is:

• Working at any level within a clinical role
• Practising within the Independent sector
• Diversity in nominees is encouraged to reflect the workforce in Wales

CRITERIA

A nominee should be able to show that:

1. They have a strong understanding of the needs of patients or service users and how these needs affect families. They show values that support holistic, person‑centred care.
2. They can show leadership skills that have positively improved or influenced how care is delivered.
3. They use evidence‑based practice to guide their day‑to‑day work.
4. They have taken part in research‑based practice and helped build positive partnerships with people using services, the community, external agencies and other professionals.
5. Their work and approach relate to and follows national health and social care policy and strategy.
6. Their work has clearly benefited patients, clients, families and colleagues.
7. They show passion and commitment for the nursing profession, consistently goes the extra mile and maintains a positive, “can‑do” attitude.

PLEASE NOTE THAT NOMINATIONS WILL BE SCORED USING EACH OF THE ABOVE CRITERIA POINTS, INDIVIDUALLY.

What makes a winning entry? - top tips to make you nomination stand out from the crowd!

Please read the nomination guidance note before beginning your submission. We have created some examples of excellent nominations to give you an understanding of the detail needed to make your nomination shine. You can also watch our guidance video 'Writing the perfect nomination for RCN Wales Nurse of the Year' for some top tips for making sure your nomination wows the judging panel.

Please remember to follow these key points:

• Tell us why you are nominating this person. A minimum of 300 words will be requested to explain your nomination, up to a 500-word limit for your submission. The more detailed you are the better so make full use of the word count given to you!
• Start with their success: What’s the headline? What are you proud of? Start with the attention-grabbing success to hook the judges immediately 
• When writing your 500 words, please refer to the award criteria for the category you are nominating for and hit each point mentioned by providing solid evidence. that way, you’ll increase your chances of your nomination being shortlisted!
• Please tell us specifically how your nominee has gone over and above the requirements of their role, and/or how they have made significant contributions to their field of work.
• Lastly but not least, check your spelling and grammar! Professionalism and care are equally as important in your nominations! Spell out any acronyms to be as clear to the judges as possible, don’t make any assumptions that they know what you’re talking about!

We also encourage patient nominations; we want to hear about how your experience of excellent nursing care has touched your lives. This could be yourself, a family member or someone who is making a difference in your local community! Contact RCN Wales if you would like help in choosing a category to nominate. NurseoftheYearAwards@rcn.org.uk

Diversity in nominees is encouraged to reflect the workforce in Wales across all areas of nursing; Independent Health and Social Care Sector, Third Sector, NHS, or Local Authority.