Our nursing associates first in the country to receive prestigious Cavell Star Award

Emma and Nadeza are the first nursing associates in the UK to receive the Cavell Star Award

Celebrations are underway at Northampton General Hospital this week, as two of the UK’s first nursing associates are awarded the prestigious Cavell star award. Nadeza and Emma received the award for their outstanding contribution towards raising the profile of the nursing associate role. The Cavell star is presented by the Cavell Nurses’ Trust, a charity that helps nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants when they are suffering personal or financial hardship. 

Nadeza Rappensbergova and Emma Green are both nursing associates, based in Northampton General’s theatres and are among the first cohort of nursing associates who qualified earlier in March. The nursing associate role bridges the skills gap between healthcare assistants and registered nurses which requires the completion of a two-year foundation degree; the University of Northampton was one of 11 pilot sites in the UK who trained the first wave of nursing associates earlier this year. 

Nursing associate, Emma Green said “It feels amazing to feel recognised and appreciated by your colleagues for the work you are doing. I’ve been qualified for four months now and this means I can assist our surgeons with operations and also support our registered nurses and theatre support workers.”

The Cavell star awards are open to any healthcare professional to nominate other healthcare professionals. Cavell Nurses Trust has confirmed that Nadeza and Emma are the first nursing associates in the country to receive this award.

Pre-registration lead, Mandy Massey said “The Cavell star award is a way we can celebrate members of our team who are providing an exceptional contribution to nursing. Nadeza and Emma have been absolutely outstanding in raising the profile of nursing associates, both within the hospital and externally in conferences, often at a national level. We have been truly inspired by their motivation and enthusiasm to spread the word about the nursing associate role and the experience they have.

“Emma and Nadeza both work in theatres and the role has fit really nicely, the feedback we get from managers is that they are role models for other healthcare professionals interested in the nursing associate role, we are extremely proud.”

Nadeza was overwhelmed when she received her award earlier this morning “I am truly humbled to receive this award; it’s been a really long and difficult journey, but at the same time, has been amazing and really exciting. I love working here, and have done for the past ten years. The support from my colleagues has been genuinely amazing.”

The nursing associate role has now been registered by the nursing and midwifery council and will pave the way for associates across the UK to provide high quality nursing care to NHS patients. They will provide more support on wards and in theatres, help administer medications and care for patients.

Sheran Oke, director of nursing, midwifery and patient services said “Our nursing associates are pioneers driving forward new roles to be part of and influence the future of nursing. I am immensely proud that we are one of the first hospitals in the country to train and employ nursing associates as part of our caring workforce, it has been a fantastic achievement for these two nursing associates, working within our theatre complex to be the first to receive this award.”

Cavell Nurses Trust’s Chief Executive, John Orchard said “Congratulations Emma and Nadeza for being amongst the first few nursing associates to win a Cavell Star Award! I’m so proud that Cavell Nurses’ Trust can support nursing professionals in celebrating their colleagues’ achievements.

“This is just one of the many ways that Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust supports their nursing professionals. For example, I’m delighted that #TeamNGH joined our ‘Working with’ programme. This helps us reach more nursing professionals with advice and financial support when they are facing a crisis in their personal life.

“Well done again to Emma and Nadia”