A team of Irvine nurses are in the running for a national award to mark their service.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is hosting its first RCN Scotland nurse of the year awards.

The awards are designed to recognise, highlight and celebrate the dedication and outstanding professional care of nursing staff across Scotland.

Senior mental health nurses based at Cunninghame House have been put forward in the learning in practice category.

Described by colleagues as “enthusiastic visible leaders”, the professionals work hard to show the value placed in their team and to give them belief and confidence in their abilities to do their best for patients.

By creating positive learning environments, it’s said the team “exude enthusiasm for mental health care and empower development to ensure the service is fit for now and into the future”.

Key to this is their commitment to supporting newly-qualified nursing staff into the service and the “positive impact on their clinical practice and confidence in delivering care”.

Meanwhile, the team leads and opens up opportunities for staff to take the time to reflect on their practice and to make improvements during action learning sets. 

It’s said this was evident in their recent event to share good practice with poster displays and presentations, opportunities to network and a chance to remind everyone why they do what they do.

Award organisers are looking for nominations that demonstrate the best of nursing – through innovation, excellence in practice, leadership and commitment.

They are looking to celebrate and honour the incredible work of Scotland’s nursing staff, day in, day out.