Suzanne Goodall Independent Sector Nursing Award

This award aims to recognise a Registered Nurse or Health Care Support Worker who has made an outstanding contribution to care within the Independent Sector in Wales. Nominees will be a Registered Nurse or Health Care Support Worker 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 or Health Care Support Worker (who is delegated work by a Registered Nurse) who are:

• 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

• Able to demonstrate that their work and approach relates to and is commensurate with national policy and strategy within health and social care
• Able to demonstrate a robust insight into the needs of the patients or service users and the impact on the family, demonstrating values that promote holistic, person-centred health and social care
• Able to demonstrate leadership skills that have positively changed or influenced care delivery
• Use of evidence-based practice to inform daily work practice
• Have participated in research-based practice, and influenced positive partnership working with individuals using services, members of the community, external agencies and other professionals
• Able to clearly demonstrate the benefits the work has had for patients, clients, families and colleagues
• Show 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.