Ulster University and LUHFT are respective recipients of nursing mental health and well-being grant

Dr Caroline Crawford, lecturer in Adult Nursing at Ulster University and Vanessa Loftus, International Nurse Training Manager and Preceptorship Lead at Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT) were awarded the RCN Foundation Amin Abdullah Grant in 2024. 

Promoting well-being in nursing through educational workshops 

Caroline will use the funding to pilot an anti-bullying workshop education model designed for implementation in both undergraduate nursing education and continuing professional development for registered nurses. She hopes it will be further distributed throughout the profession via publications, conference presentations, and dissemination to relevant stakeholders. 

The workshop also hopes to identify and establish 'anti-bullying' champions within employers who will have an in-depth knowledge of both the nature of bullying behaviour and the reporting processes. Ultimately, the project hopes to raise awareness of bullying behaviour and increase reporting rates which will subsequently reduce incidences of bullying within the nursing profession. These changes will result in a positive culture where nurses feel more competent and confident in reporting or intervening in instances of bullying. Their physical and mental well-being will improve, as will patient care outcomes. The project has now begun and expects to complete in June 2025. 

Well-being Day for Internationally Educated Nurses  

Vanessa Loftus, International Nurse Training Manager and Preceptorship Lead at Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT) received funding to develop a Well-being Day for internationally educated nurse (IEN) preceptees. The grant will facilitate the delivery of three well-being days over a 12-month period to provide well-being support and group coaching with an emphasis on mental health, for 60 IENs who have recently transitioned to being a UK registered nurse. Being a new registrant carries stress which may be exacerbated by factors such as re-settlement, adapting to a new culture and environment, social isolation, potential discrimination and adapting to a new healthcare system. The project envisions that preceptees will become more accepting of other well-being events as well as supporting them to navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives. The project has now begun and aims to be completed by December 2025.