I’ve always had been slightly uncomfortable with the concept of awards for nursing staff. Is it ethical to spend money putting on awards when finances and resources are under pressure? I know some people don’t value or respect them and have read others saying they are elitist. But I know that for many others, they provide motivation, beacons of positivity in times of gloom and doom about our health and social care services.
So, I was slightly conflicted when a respected medical colleague nominated me in the Nurse category in Scotland’s Health Awards. It was such a surprise that he wanted to nominate me, but it felt really special coming from such a dedicated and respected colleague. Doubts nagged at me because of the negative feelings about awards I’d experienced.
After much deliberation, I came to believe in the end that a nomination could help elevate nurses and nursing, reflect well on the RCN and activism, and perhaps even inspire people to study nursing in the future.
After the special the feeling of being nominated by a colleague, I figured a nomination was where it would end and I could draw motivation from that validation. To my genuine surprise, I was short-listed in the final six.
I was due to be in Edinburgh around the time of the awards to attend the RCN Scotland reps’ conference so I decided to be brave, buy a frock and go along to the awards ceremony. Those who know me know that I’m happiest at home in my trainers, so attending was well out of my comfort zone.
I didn’t win, but the experience was no less fantastic because of that. I met some amazing nurses at the event. I was nominated alongside an amazing Oncology nurse colleague Ann Gregg who retired this year with an MBE for services to nursing. She won the Nurse of the Year category that night. NHS Orkney also had Melissa Lindsay win Midwife of the Year category. Melissa is a Sonographer Midwife who does amazing work supporting women who have lost babies. It was really emotional to witness her surprise in hearing herself announced as winner.
So, having previously felt conflicted, I think we need to make the most of the opportunities awards present. I believe the real value in them lies in showcasing the amazing stories that are happening in our health and social care services all across Scotland, often in spite of understaffing and under-resourcing. The fantastic work and achievements of the winners and nominees should be showcased to encourage and motivate us all and the future workforce.
Nominations for the next RCN Nurse of the Year awards close on Friday 31 January and I encourage you to nominate colleagues or even yourself, as I know there are many amazing stories out there.
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