Research, Innovation and Digitalisation in Nursing Award

Nursing research, development and innovation provides the evidence on which nursing and midwifery practice is based and contributes to the continued development of nursing knowledge. Nursing research spans all age ranges and across the health spectrum from early years, to enhancing wellbeing and to end of life care.

Who can be nominated?

Nurses registered 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 or service innovation within any health care, social care or research environment
• 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

• Able to demonstrate that their work is commensurate with national policy and strategy within health and social care.
• Demonstrates outstanding contribution to, or application of, research and development, clinical audit, service innovation or digitalisation.
• Able to demonstrate a positive contribution to an innovative development that has made a tangible difference to people receiving care.
• Promotes an evidence-based approach to innovation within their sphere of practice.
• Shows an active engagement in dissemination of research through presentations, publications or other means of dissemination, or have documented contributions of research, research and development, clinical audit or service innovation within the national context of Wales.
• Able to demonstrate a safe governance framework for the research, service or innovation being described for which they are being nominated.
• Evidence of leadership in strengthening the profile of nursing and midwifery research.
• Through service evaluation, patient involvement and / or other means, able to demonstrate a positive impact to those in their care.
• Clear commitment to and passion for the nursing profession, going the “extra mile” demonstrating a “can do” positive attitude.

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.

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.