Inspirational nurse who transformed ICU nursing care named RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year

Lynsey Russell received the award at a glittering ceremony at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh yesterday (23 May 2024) in recognition of her clinical leadership, commitment to delivering for her patients and efforts to upskill and inspire the future nursing workforce. 

Described by her colleagues as committed and passionate about intensive care nursing, she is celebrated by them for creating an environment where nursing is consistently valued, recognised, and supported.

A nurse of 27 years, Lynsey took on the role of Senior Charge Nurse within the ICU three years ago and has proven to be a positive role model for person centred care. Her courageous and authentic leadership has resulted in multiple positive impacts for those receiving care, as well as their families, and her colleagues.

Driving a programme of quality improvement work, Lynsey has taken a ‘what matters to you’ approach with patients, families and colleagues. She believes that to lead you need to be visible and walk in their shoes, develop shared values, and be a voice for the team.

Employing multiple change management techniques, Lynsey’s work to improve ICU nursing care within NHS Borders has already been shared and implemented by other Scottish ICUs and will be presented nationally at the upcoming British Association of Critical Care Nurses (BACCN) conference in October 2024.

Lynsey’s core values are to be authentic and to excel at what she does. Through leading by example and being a model for others, she hopes to continue to raise nursing standards, raise the nursing voice and show everyone the amazing things nursing is capable of.

Scotland’s nurse of the year was selected from the registered nurse winners of the other categories announced on the night. Lynsey received the Clinical Leadership Award, sponsored by Anderson Strathern, before being announced as Scotland’s overall Nurse of the Year.

Lynsey was presented with the award by the RCN’s General Secretary & Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, RCN Scotland Board Chair, Julie Lamberth and RCN Scotland Executive Director, Colin Poolman.

Pat Cullen said: “Lynsey’s clinical leadership and focus on developing the staff in her team make her the perfect choice for our 2024 RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year. These awards have showcased the amazing work that nursing staff at all stages of their careers are doing across Scotland. There couldn’t be a better reminder of why nursing is such a diverse and rewarding career. I would like to congratulate again all our winners, runners up and highly commended. You are all an inspiration.”

RCN Scotland Executive Director, Colin Poolman thanked all the nominees for the nursing care they and their colleagues deliver day in and day out to the people of Scotland, often in extremely challenging circumstances. He said: “Huge congratulations to Lynsey on her well-deserved award. She has truly succeeded in raising the standards of care for her patients. The judges were inspired by her passion, dedication, and outstanding contribution. Her nomination stood out as exemplifying the very best of nursing in Scotland and we are proud to call Lynsey our Nurse of the Year”.

Julie Lamberth, Scotland Board Chair added: “As a dedicated and passionate nurse Lynsey is truly inspiring.  It was clear from what her colleagues said about her as a person, and as a leader, how highly she is thought of and the difference she makes.  

“Our 2024 awards have showcased the best of nursing and we are looking forward to building on the success of this year’s event. Nursing touches all of us at various points in our lives, the commitment, dedication and passion shared by all our finalists shows that, no matter how challenging the working conditions, nurses and nursing support workers are focused on doing their best for those they care for.” 

On becoming RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year 2024, Lynsey said: “I'm honoured and humbled. Nursing is a fantastic profession, full of incredible opportunities. I hope to use this award to raise the nursing voice and champion nursing leadership.”

The full list of winners and finalists are:

Thanks to all of our sponsors of our awards. With their support, we were able to go all out and truly celebrate all of our finalists and their contribution to the health and care of the people of Scotland.

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