‘COMPASSIONATE and committed’ nurse Craig Priestley has been shortlisted in the Rising Star category of the Nursing Times Awards 2017.

Craig, of Tonge Moor Road, Bolton, works as clinical lead nurse at Four Seasons Health Care and Cameron House Care Home in Elton, Bury.

The rising star category recognises nurses who are natural leaders, have a positive influence on the profession and their colleagues, and someone who demonstrates exceptional qualities that embody the best nursing and leadership skills to inspire others to follow their example.

Going into the profession, Craig said: “I just wanted to a difference to the care of the elderly because they are disadvantaged and vulnerable, and I wanted to show those going into the profession that there is a career in care homes.

“I don’t go to work to win awards. It is a privilege to be part of someone’s life and someone’s care. It really is a privilege to be a nurse, so be shortlisted for a national award at such a young age does make me proud.”

Craig, aged 27, previously won Registered Nurse of the Year 2016 in the Four Seasons Health Care Awards. He was commended for his commitment and compassion to elderly care.

He has since won a scholarship of £1,000 from the RNC Foundation and the Worshipful Company of Needlemakers to go back to University next year to study a post-graduate in end of life care.

Within Cameron House, Craig is also a winner of three ROCK (Recognition of Care and Kindness) Awards, nominated by residents and family members.

Head of nursing at Four Seasons Health Care, Joanne Strain, said: “Craig thoroughly deserves to be a finalist in the rising star category at the Nursing Times Awards. These are the Oscars amongst nursing awards and he deserves to be there.”

"It has been a pleasure working with him and his commitment to Four Seasons Health Care and their nurses is commendable. He has done so much not only at Cameron House Care Home, but at the University of Salford where he demonstrated to student nurses that care home nursing is rewarding and there are career opportunities in a care home.”