We are pleased to announce that nominations are officially open for the 2026 RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Awards. Since their inception in 1997, these awards have honoured the dedication, innovation and exceptional standards demonstrated by nursing professionals across Northern Ireland. This year’s ceremony marks the 28th event, representing three decades of recognising excellence in nursing.
We are also delighted to welcome two new sponsors, Kingsbridge Private Hospital and the Ulster Independent Clinic. Kingsbridge is the new sponsor of the Patient’s Choice Award while the Ulster Independent Clinic will sponsor the Leadership Award. The Palliative Care Award will also return this year, sponsored by Marie Curie.
Professor Rita Devlin, Executive Director of the RCN in Northern Ireland, said:
“The RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Awards shine a light on the vital contribution nurses make to patient care and the many innovations they lead to enhance services.
“Over the last 30 years, we have seen remarkable examples of nurses transforming services and improving health outcomes for people across Northern Ireland. Nursing staff consistently provide high-quality care, often in challenging circumstances, and play a central role in shaping the future of our health service. It is essential that we recognise, value and reward this excellence.
“I encourage all health care staff to review the award categories and consider nominating a colleague. Nursing professionals deserve recognition for the outstanding work they do every day.”
Online nomination forms and full details of award categories are available here. The deadline for submissions is Friday 27 February 2026. For any enquiries, please contact ninurseawards@rcn.org.uk.
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 4 June 2026 at the Culloden Hotel, Holywood.
Award categories
Chief Nursing Officer’s Rising Star Award
Health Care Support Worker Award
Independent Sector Nursing Award
