A nurse at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) has been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) at a special event hosted by the RCN at the ICC in Newport, South Wales on Sunday 2 June; and honoured with the Award of Merit – the highest honour for service to the RCN that can be given.
Charlotte Collings, who works as a recruitment and retention nurse at PAHT, joined the RCN in 2011 and has been the vice chair of the Eastern Region Board since 2020. She also chairs the internationally educated nurses (IEN) sub-working group for the region and in 2022 successfully debated at the RCN Congress for the prior experiences of IEN’s to be recognised; which led to the development of a national RCN workstream to address this. She is highly regarded within the RCN as an expert in internationally educated nursing issues and practices; and is often called upon for support and guidance.
Natalie Brooks, RCN Eastern Board chair and registered nurse nominated Charlotte for the Award of Merit, she said: “I am delighted Charlotte has been recognised, not only for her outstanding contribution to the RCN and the work she undertakes to support the nursing family; but for her willingness to stand up and use her voice to ensure IEN’s have a voice within the RCN too.
“Charlotte always thinks of others and how she can support them and has developed some outstanding learning events. She has also raised items at RCN Congress around IEN’s and successfully called for change and better working conditions; and this Award of Merit gives recognition to the amazing contribution she makes.
Charlotte said: “I was so surprised, but very humbled, to receive this Award of Merit from the RCN. I have always prided myself on supporting those around me throughout my career and am very touched to have been recognised in this way.”
Sharon McNally, chief nurse and deputy chief executive said: “A huge congratulations to Charlotte for being honoured in this way. It is wonderful that her RCN work, her support of internationally educated nurses and her impact across the RCN has been recognised. Congratulations Charlotte, this Award of Merit is very well deserved.”
To find out more about the awards visit the RCN website here >