Congratulations to Staff Nurse, Sarah Kenningley and Matron for Workforce Development, Vicki Power. They've been shortlisted from more than 500 nominations in two categories for the Nursing Times Workforce Awards in November.

Sarah was nominated by Vicki and Senior Clinical Educator, Rosie Bevan, in the Preceptee of the Year category. She joined the NHS later in life, first working as a healthcare assistant apprentice, then qualifying as a nursing associate and now works as a qualified nurse. Part of the nomination reads: "Sarah exemplifies resilience, professional growth and a profound commitment to compassionate care and the nursing profession. She epitomises the power of strength and determination in overcoming various challenges, which in turn shapes her dedication to supporting and caring for others."

Sarah said: “I'm so overwhelmed, excited, shocked, touched and proud at the same time. This is massive and means so, so much. It's like a I've gone full circle, and I am able to highlight how important apprenticeships and preceptorships are.”

Head of Nursing, Janet Youd, nominated Vicki in the Nurse Manager of the Year Award. Her nomination said: "I am so proud to have Vicki in my team. The post pandemic period has seen a huge expansion in the workload for the clinical education team.

“Her leadership portfolio includes pre-registration education for all non-medical professional groups, apprenticeships for Trainee Nursing Associates and Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeships, international recruitment and the Stay and Thrive agenda, and post-registration development for nurses to include preceptorship, career and clinical skills development.

"Vicki has consistently led the team with passion and integrity to achieve great results. In the past two years she has led the team to achieve so much. 

"Her enthusiasm and passion for education is evidence in everything she does. She believes wholeheartedly in the values of diversity and inclusion, whether from differing professional backgrounds or differing cultures, which enormously enhances the team capabilities. Vicki truly deserves this award."

Vicki said: “The team were a bit sneaky pulling this together and the nomination came out of the blue. It’s just starting to sink in to be honest, but I truly think I do nothing extraordinary. The nicest thing for me is having this formal recognition that the team think I do a good job.”

We have two very worthy finalists, and we wish them both luck when they attend the Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 28th November.