Research, Innovation and Digitalisation in Nursing Award
Sponsored by Digital Health and Care Wales
Research, Innovation and Digitalisation in Nursing Award - Nominations for this award are now open!
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.
Nursing research, innovation and digital technology provide the evidence that supports nursing and midwifery practice. They matter for people of all ages and in every stage of health and care, from early years and wellbeing through to end-of-life care. Together, they help improve practice and raise the quality of care in a values-based, patient-centred way. They also help services deliver better outcomes, use resources well, and build systems that are easier to access and more sustainable.
About the award: This award seeks to recognise and reward excellence in nursing and midwifery where research, innovation or digitalisation (including preliminary work such as pilot studies, clinical audits, or service improvement) has demonstrated tangible benefits to patient care. It acknowledges nurses and midwives who have enhanced the patient experience through their evidence-based innovations which have driven and/or influenced change. These changes may have introduced the creation and implementation of digital services to complete processes. Nominators are required to submit a clear narrative detailing the development or implementation of the research, transformation, or service improvement, including the methodology used and how the changes have positively impacted the patient experience and outcomes of care.
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?
Registrants on all parts of the NMC register who are:
- Working at any level within a clinical role or managing clinical services within Wales.
- Engaged in research, clinical audit, service improvement / innovation or digital transformation within any health care, social care or research environment.
- Practising in any sector for example: Independent Health and Social Care, Third Sector, NHS or Local Authority.
- Diversity in nominees is encouraged to reflect today's workforce in Wales.
CRITERIA
- Their work follows national health and social care policy and strategy.
- Makes an excellent contribution to research, clinical audit, service improvements, new ideas, or digital transformation, and can show that they have put their contribution into practice.
- Has positively contributed to the development something new that has clearly made improvements for people receiving care.
- Promotes the use of evidence‑based practice when developing or introducing new ideas or innovations in their area of work.
- Actively shares research through presentations, written work, or other methods, or has contributed to research, development, clinical audit or service improvement in Wales.
- Can show that the research, innovation, or digital project they’re nominated for is safely and effectively structured and managed.
- Shows leadership that has helped raise the profile of nursing and midwifery research.
- Can show, through service evaluation, patient involvement, or other approaches, that their work has had a positive impact on the people they care for.
- 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.
Page last updated - 23/04/2026
