As part of our efforts to support clinicians who are focused on working with older people, the Vivensa Foundation has funded a number of places on the QNIS Queen’s Nurse Development Programme. We awarded an initial three-year grant, which was then renewed for a further three years and will run until 2026.
RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year 2025
We are delighted to share that one of the 2023 cohort, Kirsty Cartin, who manages Rashielee Care Home in Erskine, won two prestigious awards at the Royal College of Nursing awards on 12 June 2025. Kirsty (pictured left) was named RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year 2025 and also took home a Clinical Leadership Award. She was recognised and celebrated for her compassion and dedication to excellence in care home nursing.
Kirsty’s participation in the nine-month Queen’s Nurse Development Programme enabled her to “shine a light” on herself. The coaching she received helped increase her confidence, find her voice and keep imposter syndrome in check. She says: “My staff have seen my confidence grow. They have seen the quiet, humble care home manager become the outspoken, upstanding, but still humble, leader in social care nursing. I am more visible because of the Queen’s Nurse Development Programme and more determined that a small group of likeminded individuals can change the world!”
There is a strong focus on self-care and wellbeing as part of the development programme, which reminded Kirsty how important her connection to nature is. In turn, she has raised the awareness of self-care among her team.
Clinical Advisor to QNIS Council
It’s not just the 2023 cohort producing success stories. One of the 2024 nurses is Katy Jenks, Dementia Care Manager at HC One in Neilston. Katy (pictured right) inspired everyone on the development programme with her determination to see excellent person-centred delivery in care homes.
Katy has just been appointed Clinical Advisor to QNIS Council for a term of two years. The Clinical Advisor role works alongside the Trustees and brings a practical perspective to discussions. This ensures that the work of the charity is firmly connected to the needs of practitioners.
Many congratulations to Kirsty and Katy.
You can read more about the QNIS programme here.
To find out more about our funding opportunities, you can view our open calls here.