PEOPLE in Inverclyde are being urged to nominate someone to follow in the footsteps of a local nurse at a top awards ceremony.

Margaret Harkin, an in-reach district nurse with Inverclyde health and social care partnership, was nominated in the 'adult nursing' category at last year's RCN Nurse of the Year awards.

And nominations are now open in 12 categories ahead of RCN Scotland's 2025 ceremony.

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; and 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 the awards ceremony next June - the Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland's award for excellence, and the RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year title.

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.

The deadline for entries is 10 January 2025. You do not need to be an RCN member to enter. ​

More information about the awards can be found at rcn.org.uk/ScotAwards, where you can also submit nominations.