The RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards shine a spotlight on the best of nursing - recognising, highlighting and celebrating the dedication and outstanding professional care of nursing staff across Scotland.
Nominations for 12 of the award categories are open to individuals and teams and cover the diversity of nursing roles across Scotland’s health and care services. The categories are:
- Adult Nursing
- Care Home Nursing
- Children & Midwifery Nursing
- Clinical Leadership
- Inspiring Excellence – Nursing Innovation and Research Award
- Learning Disability Nursing
- Learning in Practice
- Mental Health Nursing
- Nursing Student of the Year
- Nursing Support Worker of the Year
- Nursing Team of the Year
- People’s Choice
The awards are open to all nursing staff in Scotland and each category will be judged by an expert panel.
There will also be two additional awards announced at our awards ceremony in June 2025.
The new Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland Award for Excellence will recognise a significant contribution to the development of nursing as a profession that is valued by society, with nominations coming from nursing leaders across Scotland.
The prestigious RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year 2025 will be selected from the registered nurse winners from the other award categories.
Commenting on the launch of the awards, Julie Lamberth, RCN Scotland Board Chair, said:
“Our awards are an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate nursing in Scotland and the work that we do.
“Nurses and nursing support workers are innovators and problem solvers. We have a passion for patient care and for our profession but too often we shy away from shouting about the contribution we make. This is your opportunity to shine, to share with others the difference you are making for colleagues and in the lives of those you care for.
“The evening in June will be the fitting culmination of the awards, but I know the process itself will shine a light on the best of nursing in Scotland.”
Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Director, said:
“This is our annual opportunity for some well-deserved recognition of the excellence of nursing staff in Scotland. I urge all RCN members to help us spread the word and encourage nominations from across all health and care services and fields of practice.”
Nominations will be accepted over the coming months with the winners announced at a glittering awards ceremony taking place in the Grand Gallery in the National Museum of Scotland in June 2025.
The deadline for entries is 10 January 2025. You do not need to be an RCN member to enter.
