On a sunny afternoon back in August, which seemed tailor-made for celebration, I had the pleasure of attending a Nursing Workforce Standards Champions awards and celebration event. What did I find? A vibrant gathering of professionals from diverse fields, all united by a common appreciation for the Standards. As I entered Cowdray Hall, at our UK HQ in London, the atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm and camaraderie.
This event was not just a gathering; it was a celebration that underscored the tireless dedication and unwavering commitment of nursing staff who are now accredited Nursing Workforce Standards Champions.
One of the highlights of the event was the sharing of stories and practices from various attendees. Listening to these accounts, I was both moved and inspired.
Each story was a testament to the creativity and resilience of our nursing workforce. It was heartening to see how these professionals continually adapt and innovate to implement our Nursing Workforce Standards in their own workplaces. The common thread in all these stories was the unwavering commitment to patient care, which served as a powerful reminder of why we chose this profession in the first place.
Networking opportunities were abundant. I always enjoy the opportunity to get out and meet members and colleagues – and this event was no different. I got to chat with members from across the United Kingdom, including Ruth Colbeck, a Nursing Workforce Standards Champion from our Yorkshire & Humber Region. Ruth described the occasion as “a great event to network with like-minded nurses who care about the working conditions of their colleagues,” adding: “If we don’t look after each other how can we look after our patients?”.
I also met Zeba Arif, RCN Mental Health Forum Committee member and a Nursing Workforce Standards Champion. “It was a delightful celebration, a validation and recognition of how effective workforce standards are as part of nursing practice,” said Zeba.
What’s more, I got to catch-up with our Regional Director Sarah Dodsworth. Since the event, I’ve spoken with Sarah about the event and how much it inspired us and found that she also enjoyed the occasion for much the same reason. Sarah said: “It was an honour and privilege to spend the day with RCN Workforce Standards Champions celebrating success. I was impressed by the case studies and the difference that we can make to each other’s lives.”
As the event ended, I left feeling inspired. The celebration was a beautiful reminder of the importance of coming together as a community to share our successes and learn from one another.
This event wasn't just a celebration; it was a testament to the strength, compassion, and resilience of nurses everywhere. Here's to many more such gatherings, where we can continue to inspire, support, and celebrate each other. Cheers to the incredible world of nursing!
This event was not just a gathering; it was a celebration that underscored the tireless dedication and unwavering commitment of nursing staff who are now accredited Nursing Workforce Standards Champions.
Stories that Inspire
One of the highlights of the event was the sharing of stories and practices from various attendees. Listening to these accounts, I was both moved and inspired.
Each story was a testament to the creativity and resilience of our nursing workforce. It was heartening to see how these professionals continually adapt and innovate to implement our Nursing Workforce Standards in their own workplaces. The common thread in all these stories was the unwavering commitment to patient care, which served as a powerful reminder of why we chose this profession in the first place.
Celebrating success
No celebration would be complete without acknowledging the outstanding achievements of our peers. The award ceremony was a joyous affair, with applause and cheers ringing through the hall as each recipient was called to the stage to receive their Nursing Workforce Standards Champion certificate. It was a moment of immense pride for everyone present; a collective celebration of the hard work and dedication that defines our profession.
Networking
Networking opportunities were abundant. I always enjoy the opportunity to get out and meet members and colleagues – and this event was no different. I got to chat with members from across the United Kingdom, including Ruth Colbeck, a Nursing Workforce Standards Champion from our Yorkshire & Humber Region. Ruth described the occasion as “a great event to network with like-minded nurses who care about the working conditions of their colleagues,” adding: “If we don’t look after each other how can we look after our patients?”.
I also met Zeba Arif, RCN Mental Health Forum Committee member and a Nursing Workforce Standards Champion. “It was a delightful celebration, a validation and recognition of how effective workforce standards are as part of nursing practice,” said Zeba.
What’s more, I got to catch-up with our Regional Director Sarah Dodsworth. Since the event, I’ve spoken with Sarah about the event and how much it inspired us and found that she also enjoyed the occasion for much the same reason. Sarah said: “It was an honour and privilege to spend the day with RCN Workforce Standards Champions celebrating success. I was impressed by the case studies and the difference that we can make to each other’s lives.”
A Day to Remember
As the event ended, I left feeling inspired. The celebration was a beautiful reminder of the importance of coming together as a community to share our successes and learn from one another.
This event wasn't just a celebration; it was a testament to the strength, compassion, and resilience of nurses everywhere. Here's to many more such gatherings, where we can continue to inspire, support, and celebrate each other. Cheers to the incredible world of nursing!
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