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

This award is open to Registered Nurses working in nursing practice, education or management roles within Wales who develop and/ or deliver high quality education to those who deliver health and/ or social care, to include outstanding supervisor and/or assessor/practice education facilitators. Nominees for the Award will demonstrate the use of innovative teaching and/ or facilitative methods to maximise learning.

About the award: This award recognises an outstanding Registered Nurse who will have made a significant difference to the development and or delivery of high-quality education to those who deliver/ aim to deliver health care.

WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?
Registered Nurses who are:
• Working at any level in practice education or management settings within Wales
• Practising in any sector for example: Independent Health and Social Care Sector, Third Sector, NHS or Local Authority
• Diversity in nominees is encouraged to reflect the workforce in Wales

CRITERIA
A nominee should be able to show that:
1. Through strong leadership, they have contributed to an innovative idea or development that has improved supervision, assessment, or teaching—and ultimately improved care for patients.
2. They have played a key role in creating or improving an education programme or initiative that has benefited learners and, in turn, patients.
3. Their approach to education follows national health and social care policies and strategies.
4. Their educational approach or product is supported by appropriate evidence.
5. Their work supports a relevant educational framework or method.
6. They can show a positive impact through service evaluation, patient involvement or other feedback.
7. They can show that their work has improved the clinical skills, confidence and professionalism of the person being supervised or assessed.
8. 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. Each point will be scored individually and 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.