District Nurse receives national award for outstanding performance during her studies

District nurse Georgia Hibbert has received a Queens Nursing Institute (QNI) award for her outstanding performance whilst completing a Master’s Degree at Northumbria University.

Attaining a qualification at this level is always challenging whilst continuing clinical duties, however Georgia was noted in particular for excelling both clinically and academically during her studies and her supervisory tutors at Northumbria University had no hesitation in nominating her for the QNI’s much coveted Philip Goodeve Docker Memorial Prize.

Georgia’s accomplishments were duly recognised by the QNI and she has been named as the nation’s top performing student of the District Nursing Specialist Practitioner Qualification programme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland this year.

On winning the prize, Georgia said: “I am truly honoured to have been selected from this year’s DNSPQ cohort at Northumbria University to receive this award. 

“I was totally unaware that this award existed prior to my nomination, nonetheless, I am very thankful to my tutors and mentors for recognising the hard work and dedication that I have put into the past 18 months, which has now finally paid off!

“I am grateful for the opportunities I have received and hope to inspire future Community Nurses and DNSPQ Students alike.”

Of the nomination Kevin Murphy, Assistant Professor in Adult Nursing at Northumbria University said: “We are delighted to have nominated Georgia for this prestigious award from the Queens Nursing Institute, the esteemed Philip Goodeve Docker Memorial Prize, which is given to one student who demonstrates significant academic and clinical achievement in District Nursing practice as part of their District Nursing Specialist Practitioner Master’s Degree qualification.

“Georgia has consistently demonstrated outstanding levels of professionalism and dedication to her programme of study, achieving a distinction in her academic award.

“We would like to congratulate Georgia and the District Nursing team at the Newcastle Hospitals as this award reflects the formidable contribution that all those involved have made.”

Kerry Puga, Matron for Community Nursing in Newcastle added: “Georgia has been a fantastic District Nursing Student during the 18-month Higher Apprenticeship Course.

“Her positive attitude, focus and passion for District Nursing has been recognised by each of her Practice Supervisors and her Practice Assessor.

“We are proud Georgia has been recognised by the QNI for the outstanding student she has been and we are excited for Georgia to commence her new post as a District Nurse and Nurse Practitioner for the service. Congratulations Georgia.”

Associate Director of Nursing for Clinical Standards and Community services Cheryl Teasdale also said: “Congratulations to Georgia, this is well deserved and a testament to Georgia as a highly skilled and educated individual.

“Georgia displays her passion for community nursing with enthusiasm, highlighting the honour of caring for patients in their own homes, and the fulfilling diversity she experiences in the role.

“Georgia is highly regarded by her colleagues, patients, their families as well as our partners in the community and is integral to the development of community nursing, which she will continue to do in her new role.

“Congratulations Georgia!”

Georgia’s career aspirations were initially in dentistry however a quick change in direction led her to nurse training a year later in 2016.

It was during her community nursing placement in the second year of her nursing degree that she found her true calling.

Georgia explained” “I think it’s the fact that it’s not just one episode of care and then you never see the patient again that really appeals to me.

“You build a truly therapeutic relationship with your patients, getting to know them and their families really well.

“Of course, not everyone has family support around them and for some patients you may be the only person they have seen for days or even weeks.

“To break that person’s social isolation and see what it means to them is very fulfilling, and I believe our role in the community at large makes a real difference – it’s incredibly important for so many.”

She also enjoys being able to get out and about.

She said:” “You’re not confined to just one area and working independently means you can be more flexible and in my role I’m lucky enough to be able to make my own decisions where appropriate.”

“You never know what you will be dealing with from day to day which means you gain an abundance of new skills and knowledge. In the three and a half years since I qualified I’ve always felt like I’m constantly progressing.

“This is definitely a life-long career for me – it’s endlessly rewarding.”

Georgia started her career as a community staff nurse in 2019; around 12 months later a new development role became available for a Band 6 Junior District Nursing Sister.

However, Georgia didn’t think she was ready to apply.

Senior colleague Joanne Meredith thought differently, encouraged her to apply and she was delighted to be successful.

Around nine months later a brand new DNSPQ Master’s qualification in District Nursing was established at Northumbria University, which would equip newly qualified District Nurses with Advanced Clinical Skills and Independent Prescribing.

Once again Georgia was encouraged to apply and her outstanding performance led to her nomination for the QNI’s Philip Goodeve Docker Memorial Prize.

Equipped with her new Master’s Degree Georgia qualified as a Band 7 District Nurse Practitioner / Nurse Prescriber in April.

The role is split between looking after her own patients’ caseloads in specific GP localities and leading her teams caring for patients with more complex issues.

These include palliative care needs such as overseeing the safe use of syringe drivers delivering anticipatory drugs to manage pain, nausea, agitation and respiratory secretions.

Working in the community means collaborating as part of a wider team and Georgia enjoys good relationships with primary care colleagues, GPs and social care as they collectively decide on how to make the best decisions to meet their patients’ needs.

When asked what she would say to someone considering a career in community nursing Georgia said: “Absolutely give it a go. Nursing in the community is definitely the future as we see more and more people with health and social care needs, most of whom would really rather be supported at home than have to come into hospital.

“You get to build fantastic relationships with people who welcome you warmly into their homes and are so grateful for all that you do. It’s such a privilege – I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

The Philip Goodeve-Docker Memorial Prize is offered to the top performing student of the District Nursing SPQ programme in every university in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Each university is invited to nominate a District Nurse student who has demonstrated the most outstanding achievement on their programme.

Recipients of the prize are encouraged to develop future links with the QNI and take advantage of the range of support the charity offers.

The QNI is a registered charity dedicated to improving the nursing care of people in the home and community by promoting excellent nursing care for everyone, where and when they need it, provided by nurses and their teams with specific skills and knowledge.