Yarningdale duo shortlisted for prestigious Nursing Times Award

Two colleagues from Yarningdale care home in Ripley are celebrating after being named finalists in the prestigious Nursing Times Workforce Awards 2024.

Jenna Stocks and Alison Walvin have been recognised in this year’s awards, which highlight exceptional health and social care workers who go above and beyond, setting new standards of excellence in their field.

Jenna Stocks, Registered Nurse at Yarningdale, has been shortlisted for a new award category celebrating the contributions of those early in their nursing careers.

The ‘Preceptee of the Year’ award recognises newly registered nurses, midwives and nursing associates who’ve excelled during their first year in clinical practice.

Jenna was nominated for the award by her Yarningdale colleagues, who described her as consistently “professional, caring, compassionate and enthusiastic” and a “great role model.”

After initially joining Exemplar Health Care on a student nurse placement, Jenna transitioned into a full-time nursing position at Yarningdale, where she’s been instrumental in moving the home from paper-based to digital care plans.

Jenna Stocks, Registered Nurse at Yarningdale, said:

“I’m so pleased to have been shortlisted for Preceptee of the Year. When I first got my placement, I was apprehensive about working in a care home. But Alison and the team have shown me the ropes and really created a great environment for the whole team and the people we support! I’ve worked alongside the most amazing colleagues. Everyone has been so welcoming, kind, calm and friendly, and have given me every learning opportunity possible.”

Alison Walvin, Home Manager at Yarningdale, has been shortlisted for Manager of the Year. This category recognises exceptional team leaders who are dedicated to nurturing and supporting their colleagues.

Alison’s exceptional leadership has created a positive culture in which people can thrive.

She’s supported several team members, including Jenna, in their career progression journeys, strengthening the future of Yarningdale’s nursing workforce.

Colleagues nominated Alison for her “positive energy,” noting that she “will do anything to make sure that dreams are not only achieved but exceeded.”

Alison’s incredible leadership has also significantly improved the quality of life for residents like Neil, who arrived at Yarningdale after a previous nursing home placement had broken down.

Thanks to Alison’s leadership and the team’s efforts, Neil is now looking forward to a bright future.

Alison Walvin, Home Manager at Yarningdale, said:

“It’s such an honour to have been shortlisted for Manager of the Year at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards, and I’m so pleased that Jenna has been recognised for her passion and talent too. I am incredibly proud of the leadership skills I have been able to develop in my career with the support of Exemplar Health Care. Not only is this an incredibly special achievement for me, but it also reflects the fantastic journey that all of us at Yarningdale have been on and what a brilliant environment we have created at the home.”

The Nursing Times Workforce Awards will take place on Thursday 28 November 2024 at The Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

Yarningdale care home supports adults living with dementia, complex mental health needs and neuro-disabilities including brain injuries and Huntington’s disease. Read about Yarningdale.