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 recognises an exceptional Registered Nurse who has made a career-long contribution to nursing practice, resulting in a legacy of sustainably improved outcomes for individuals, communities, and the wider population. This person will also have made a significant contribution to the development of nursing as a profession that is valued by society.  Nominees for this award will be exemplary Registered Nurses, who have earned recognition from, and the respect of, their peers and will be acknowledged as having reached the pinnacle of their profession.

About the award: This award aims to recognise a truly exceptional Registered Nurse who is recognised as providing a lasting contribution to the nursing profession.

WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?

Registered Nurses who are:

• Working at any level within health and social settings (including, primary, community, care homes, other independent health and social care sectors, local authorities, and third sector) education, or management settings within Wales.
• Nominees must fulfil the criteria of the NMC registration at the time of nomination.

CRITERIA

1. They are a nurse who has made a significant, positive improvement to patient care within their area of practice.
2. They are recognised for long‑standing achievements that have helped raise the profile and standing of nursing at a local, national or international level.
3. They can demonstrate a strong record of progressive leadership and have inspired others to advance nursing practice.
4. They are respected as an expert in their field and have delivered clear, measurable improvements in the quality of care.
5. They are valued for their contribution to developing the nursing profession through mentoring, supporting and positively influencing the careers of other nurses and healthcare professionals.
6. Their work follows national health and social care policy and strategy.
7. Through strong leadership, they have shown positive contribution to new and original developments that has made a real difference to people receiving services.
8. They use evidence to support their work, or they are helping to build an evidence base for the project they are nominated for.
9. They can show that the service or innovation they are nominated for has a safe and effective governance framework.
10. Their work has clearly benefited patients, clients, families, communities, the wider population and colleagues.
11. Through service evaluation, and / or other means, can demonstrate a positive impact.
12. They show passion and commitment for the nursing profession, consistently goes the extra mile and maintains a positive, “can‑do” attitude.

Please note:

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

For the Lifetime Achievement Award shortlisted candidates will not be required

to attend an interview

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.