Description
The Nursing Rising Star Award recognises an earlycareer nurse who demonstrates exceptional promise, professional growth, and a commitment to excellence in nursing practice in UK. This award celebrates individuals who, despite being in the early stages of their career, show outstanding clinical ability, compassionate care, leadership potential, and a drive to contribute meaningfully to patient outcomes and the wider nursing profession.
The award highlights nurses who exemplify core professional values, actively engage in reflective practice, pursue learning opportunities, and make a positive impact within their teams and organisations.
Instructions for Nominators
Please read the following guidance carefully before completing the nomination form.
This will help ensure your submission is clear, detailed, and gives the nominee
the best chance of being recognised.
Who Can Nominate?
- Staff, students, service users, carers, and members of the community may nominate an individual.
- Self-nominations are acceptable where appropriate.
Before You Begin
- Ensure you have the nominee’s correct full name, role, and department.
- Gather any supporting evidence (e.g., testimonials, statements, reflections).
- Be prepared to provide specific examples, not general statements.
How to Write a Strong Nomination
To help the review panel assess the nomination fairly, ensure your responses:
- Are specific and evidence-based
Provide clear examples of the compassionate behaviours observed. Describe
- What the nominee did
- How they did it
- Why it was exceptional or beyond their expected duties
- Focus on impact
Explain the effect the nominee had on individuals, families, students, colleagues, or the wider community. Wherever possible, describe
- How people benefited
- What changed as a result
- Any lasting or measurable outcomes
- Demonstrate alignment with award values
Reflect on how the nominee demonstrated:
- Empathy and understanding
- Respect for dignity and individuality
- Commitment to holistic, personcentred practice
- Professional integrity and leadership
- Are concise but thorough
Aim for:
- 100-150 words for the main description of actions
- 100-150 words for the impact section
You may write more if needed, but clarity is more important than length.
Supporting Evidence (Optional but Strongly Encouraged)
You may attach:
- Brief testimonials from those directly affected
- Positive feedback (nonconfidential)
- Examples of reflective notes
- Letters of endorsement from supervisors or colleagues
Ensure all attachments respect confidentiality, safeguarding, and professional
boundaries.
Confidentiality
Do not include:
- Identifiable patient information
- Sensitive personal details without consent
- Confidential organisational data
Focus on actions and impact rather than names or clinical specifics.
Final Checks Before Submission
Please ensure:
- You have answered all required questions
- Evidence is attached (if available)
- Your contact details are correct
- Your declaration is signed and dated
Incomplete forms may not be considered.