Practice-based learning is fundamental to maintaining the nursing workforce and creating a positive learning environment allows nursing staff and students to develop and thrive.

Open to registered nurses, midwives and nursing support workers who demonstrate an innate understanding of the importance of learning and development. This award aims to recognise those who provide effective supervision and assessment, create high-quality learning environments, act as a role model and who build and maintain relationships to enable and support learning and development in the workplace.

Nurses, midwives or nursing support workers who are engaged in supporting practice-based learning, disseminating innovative practice and have taken steps to create a positive learning environment for students and colleagues.

The nominee should clearly demonstrate:

• effective leadership in creating a positive learning environment
• a positive impact on the clinical practice, confidence and professionalism of the individuals being supported, supervised or assessed
• a commitment to person-centred care, innovation and delivering high quality services that make a difference to the people receiving care
• the positive impact of their research, service transformation or innovation for service users, families and colleagues
• the use of a credible evidence base and or developing an evidence base to underpin the work for which they are being nominated
• how their work contributes to the delivery of local and national policy and strategy within health and social care.

If you have any questions or queries regarding the awards, please get in touch by emailing scotlandnurseawards@rcn.org.uk

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Clinical Educator, NHS Tayside

Nominated for her outstanding mentorship and advocacy for internationally recruited nurses, Gwen provides holistic training that goes beyond clinical skills, incorporating NHS standards, cultural competence, communication, and patient-centered care. Her dedication extends beyond professional duties, offering emotional and practical support to nurses transitioning to life in the UK. Her innovative, tailored teaching methods focus on cultural sensitivity and foster confidence and competence in her mentees, many of whom attribute their success in the NHS to her guidance. Gwen’s impact is evident in high pass rates, improved patient care, and a more collaborative workplace. She shares her best practices with colleagues, aligning her work with national healthcare policies on diversity and workforce development. Gwen’s mentorship exemplifies compassionate leadership, resulting in measurable benefits for patients, nurses, and the broader healthcare system.

Care Home Education Facilitator, NHS Grampian and NHS Education for Scotland (NES)

Jill has transformed student nurse practice learning within NHS Grampian, dramatically increasing both the quantity and quality of care home placements. Through her leadership, innovation, and collaborative approach, Jill has expanded placement capacity by 520%, from 5 to 20 Care Homes, with 28 placements active and more in progress. Pioneering the use of senior carers as Practice Supervisors, Jill is enhancing clinical skills among Care Home staff and creating robust support systems for students. Her initiatives have improved student satisfaction, competence, and confidence, with many returning to work in the sector post-placement. Jill’s efforts have led to better resident care, reduced reliance on external services, and timely interventions. Jill hopes her dedication and impact will strengthen the care home sector’s role in shaping the future nursing workforce.

The State Hospital Board for Scotland and University West of Scotland

This pioneering dementia care learning programme was developed and delivered within high secure forensic services in Scotland, seeking to address a critical gap in training, aligning with recommendations from the Scottish government's 2021 review of forensic mental health services. Led by Senior Nurse Laura, the team, in collaboration with Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice, created a bespoke programme tailored to the needs of forensic nursing staff, with experiential learning focussing on communication, personhood, and responsive care.  Quantitative assessments showed significant improvements in staff attitudes and knowledge regarding dementia, and three years on some follow-up interviews confirmed the lasting positive impact on practice. The initiative is now being explored for wider implementation across Scotland through collaboration with The Forensic Network.

JJR Macleod Centre for Diabetes, David Anderson Building, NHS Grampian 

The team aimed to develop an education programme, SANDRA (Supporting prActice Nurses in Diabetes, Revalidation and Appraisal), to train practice nurses in delivering diabetes clinics. This was prompted by the departure of experienced practice nurses, leaving a gap in patient care. The programme, led by Sandra Wilson, involved collaboration with diabetes specialist nurses and other health care professionals. The team overcame major challenges including funding, recruitment, and IT issues. Evaluation showed significant improvements in practice nurse confidence and skills, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced reliance on GP appointments. Plans for dissemination include sharing with colleagues nationally, accrediting the programme, and supporting other health boards. The initiative received commendation at the Quality in Care Diabetes programme.

Team Leader, Complex Care Team, Community Nursing Adult Services, NHS Tayside

Described by colleagues as inspirational, Cath designed, developed and established a community based service to deliver leg ulcer, wound, and catheter care to the people of Dundee. Starting with a clear plan, she began by networking with local GPs and Practice Managers to identify the best locations for services and the staff who could deliver the service. With the GMS contract as a basis for her work, she developed business plans using her own knowledge and research of the local community and their health needs. With person centred care at its heart, this first of its kind project in Scotland has become a national gold standard and Cath has showcased it to both national and European health improvement conference delegates. She has also inspired and empowered the nursing staff who deliver the service by ensuring protected learning time which assured them their learning was being prioritised and valued. Cath sees her role not only to run the service but also to motivate and inspire the team to do its best and maintain their own wellbeing. With the team behind her, they have increased capacity and ultimately reduced readmission to hospital. With Cath shortly about to retire, her colleagues speak of her service as the positive legacy she will pass on to the future nurses of Dundee.