Editorial

A chance for ‘ordinary’ nurses to share, inspire and win recognition for their extraordinary work

Nominate yourself or a colleague for this year’s RCNi Nurse Awards and help celebrate exceptional nursing care, writes editor Graham Scott

Given that nurses rarely receive the credit they deserve, it seems appropriate that the launch of the profession’s most prestigious awards coincides with a poll showing that the public trusts nurses more than any other group.

One of the reasons nurses do not receive adequate recognition is the innate humility with which the vast majority approach their work. In previous years, entrants to our awards have said repeatedly that they are just doing their jobs, or that their contribution was only minor and others in their team should share the credit.

This modesty is admirable, but often misplaced. Nurses are invariably ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and should not underestimate the impact they have on the lives of people in their care.

The nation’s best

Entering the annual RCNi Nurse Awards is simple and brings a host of benefits. Describing what you have done and the difference it has made are useful reflective exercises in themselves. Being shortlisted and having the opportunity to share your work with the wider profession could mean your innovative or inspiring achievements are spread nationally and beyond.

The awards evening offers the chance to meet other nurses in your field of practice, attend a glittering ceremony in London, win an award in one of more than a dozen special categories or even be named nurse of the year.

So don’t be shy. Nominate yourself or a colleague now, and help ensure that the nation’s best nurses receive the recognition they deserve.