Congratulations are being offered to a learning disability nurse from NHS Lanarkshire who has successfully completed this year’s Queen’s Nurse development programme and was awarded her Queen’s Nurse award at a special ceremony in Edinburgh this week.
Carole Morrow, a senior nurse in learning disabilities, was nominated by colleagues for demonstrating high-quality, compassionate care and was chosen to go forward for the programme after attending an online selection event where she impressed a panel of nursing leaders.
The Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS) is a charitable organisation promoting excellence in community nursing to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland. Its purpose is to enable nurses who work in Scotland’s communities to be the very best they can be.The development programme involves 29 community nurses from across Scotland coming together for a nine-month transformational development journey to becoming Queen’s Nurses.
Carole is based in Netherton House at University Hospital Wishaw and has been working with the NHS Lanarkshire adult learning disability Service for 13 years.
She said: “I have had to come out my comfort zone, taken responsibility and ownership of my career to get where I am today. I adopt a proactive approach and have taken every opportunity for personal and professional development.
“My gratitude towards my role as a nurse has always been sincere, I am passionate and committed and believe that if you have faith in your ideas and a desire to implement them then you will make a positive change.
“I always concentrate on what drives me and makes me happy as an individual, this has helped with my career growth and I am currently in a senior nurse seconded post with mental health and learning disability services.”
The programme, now in its fifth year, consists of three workshops (two online) involving masterclasses, action learning and conversations with inspirational leaders, as well as individual coaching sessions.
Throughout the programme, there is an emphasis on self-care, deep reflection and connecting participants with their creativity.
Each nurse commits to developing an issue which will have an impact on their practice and benefit their community, which they work on over the programme and beyond. The learning disability cohort are working together on a joint issue for development to support those with a learning disability who find themselves involved with the criminal justice system.
Carole added: “I love to promote kindness by sharing compliments, including positive affirmation and I find every opportunity to recognize and thank staff for their great work. I try to encourage and empower others at every chance, as I believe that if you find work you love, you will put your heart and soul into it. I always create a supportive ethos to empower others which helps contribute to the delivery of high standards of care.
“I am a true believer in lifelong learning as when you are up to date on new policies and procedures, research and evidence-based practice it will improve patient outcomes. As a leader I promote and encourage continuous professional development and training opportunities. I love the wee phrase “listen to learn” learn to listen”. This is something I practise daily and encourage others to do the same. It is really amazing what you can learn when you listen, I also truly believe you learn something new every day.”
Karen McCaffrey, associate nurse director, mental health & learning disability services, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Carole has successfully achieved the Queen’s Nurse award. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication that has gone into this especially in the current climate.
“Carole has really embraced this opportunity and has used this not only to improve service delivery but her own development as a nurse lead. Congratulations Carole, we are all very proud of you”.
