NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!

Congratulations and good luck to all those that have been nominated for an award this year.

The nominated nurses, midwives, nursing students and health care support workers demonstrate a passion for their profession and exemplify distinction in care, leadership, service and innovation.

Judging panels now begin the shortlisting process which will determine which nominees will be successfully invited to attend showcase sessions. Judging panels are selected each year to represent nursing from across Wales, you can find out who has been chosen for each panel on the award categories below.

For those invited to attend a showcase session the following dates have been agreed for each award category – these sessions will be held in-person at our RCN Wales Headquarters in Cardiff. Unfortunately, there are no alternative date options available
Improving Individual and Population Health                Wednesday 2 September 2026
Registered Nurse – Learning Disabilities                       Wednesday 2 September 2026
Lifetime Achievement                                                               Thursday 3 September 2026
Nursing Student                                                                         Thursday 3 September 2026
Independent Sector Nursing                                                    Monday 7 September 2026
Registered Nurse - Adult                                                            Monday 7 September 2026
Nurse Education                                                                          Tuesday 8 September 2026
Registered Nurse - Mental Health                                         Tuesday 8 September 2026
Chief Nursing Officer for Wales                                        Thursday 10 September 2026
Community and Primary Care                                                   Friday 11 September 2026
Research, Innovation and Digitalisation                                Friday 11 September 2026 
Health Care Support Worker                                                Tuesday 15 September 2026
Registered Nurse – Child                                                  Wednesday 16 September 2026
Specialist Nursing                                                             Wednesday 16 September 2026

*Please note that for the Lifetime Achievement Award, shortlisted nominees will be required to submit a 3-page CV instead of attending a showcase session in person.

Should you have any queries about the next step in the judging process, please do not hesitate to contact us via NurseoftheYearAwards@rcn.org.uk or on 02920 680746.

We are delighted that the RCN Wales Nurse of the Year 2026 Awards Ceremony will return to The Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa by Sunday on Thursday, 19 November 2026, celebrating the 13th anniversary of the awards with our incredible sponsors and partners.

Find out more about our 2025 winners and runners-up.

 

"We have the most amazing nursing staff doing extraordinary things. Every day across Wales, registered nurses,  health care support workers, midwives and nursing students are making tangible differences in peoples lives - often quietly and without recognition. These awards are a chance to change that. If someone has made a difference to you, your family or your community, please take a moment to nominate them. If you have a colleague who consistently goes above and beyond their duty or has improved the lives of their patients, please put their name and story forward. Your voice can ensure their impact is seen, valued and celebrated. Just being nominated for a Nurse of the Year award will mean so much, our winners describe winning as life changing."

Nicola Williams, Executive Director RCN Wales