New badge launched at NNUH to celebrate International Nurses Day

A new badge to celebrate the achievements of newly qualified nurses and midwives has been launched on International Nurses Day at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

The first pin badges and certificates were presented to ten staff today (12 May) following their successful completion of their first year preceptorship.

The new badge, which features Norfolk’s Edith Cavell and the Florence Nightingale lamp, was designed by Cromer and District Hospital nurse Billy Lawson following a competition last year.

It will be given to all newly qualified nurses, midwives and AHPs who complete their first year with the Trust.

The project was supported by the N&N Hospitals charity and the pin badge will also go on sale to help raise funds for the hospital charity.

Dave Guttridge, NNUH Clinical Educator, said: “We wanted to do something to celebrate nurses and midwives’ achievements in their first year, which can be a difficult transition. It was the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale last year and Billy’s winning badge design celebrates Norfolk and nursing with images of Norwich Cathedral, wheat to represent the farming community, Edith Cavell and the Nightingale lamp.”

The badge has an authentic Turkish-style fanoos lamp that was carried by Florence Nightingale and is also set to go on display at the Florence Nightingale Museum in London.

Prof Nancy Fontaine, NNUH Chief Nurse, said: “I’m thrilled that we have launched this fantastic badge, which pays tribute to our Norfolk and nursing heritage, for our newly qualified nurses and midwives to celebrate what they have achieved over the last year in challenging circumstances.

Nurses and midwives have acted above and beyond throughout the first and second waves and I am very proud to lead a hugely dedicated, versatile and highly professional group.”