The programme requires them to choose an issue for development which will have a significant impact on those they care for, so that the learning during the nine months is applied in practice.
There is an expectation that this work will have a focus on promoting equity and inclusion.
Community nurses and midwives provide a wide range of support to the people in their communities including complex care for older people, support for substance misuse and advocacy for people with learning disabilities.
Those working in community mental health, district nursing, school nursing, care home nursing and health visiting are also part of this vital group of health professionals.
Kerys said: "I feel very lucky and inspired to have completed this transformational leadership journey with an amazing group of fellow nurses and midwives. The programme has enabled me to recognise the true importance of self care and the impact and influence we can have on those around us everyday. I feel very honoured to have had my hard work recognised and to have been supported to complete this 9 month process."
Leanne added: "I am extremely proud to be a Queen's Nurse serving the community of Fife. My heart is in the community, in supporting people through extremely difficult experiences and in doing this as a nurse. I consider myself extremely privileged to do this work every day."
Clare Cable, QNIS Chief Executive and Nurse Director, said: “These 24 exceptional individuals can be deservedly proud of being awarded this prestigious title.
“From the late 1880s, Queen’s Nurses were social reformers who were taking public health into people’s homes to help families take better care of themselves. The modern Queen’s Nurses are building on this proud heritage – sharing this pioneering spirit to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities of Scotland.
“Their roles vary, from bringing care to those who have experienced significant adversity to supporting people in mental distress or end of life care.
“They represent the geography of Scotland, from rural communities and small islands to concentrated areas within the big cities, but they all demonstrate nursing and midwifery excellence which makes a real difference to the lives of the people they work with.
Pictures credited to Lesley Martin
