King’s nurse in the running for national award
24 July 2024 - Congratulations to Mira Osinibi who has been shortlisted for a Nursing Times award
We’re delighted to announce that Mira Osinibi, Paediatric Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist at King’s College Hospital, has been shortlisted for a Nursing Times award in the Children’s Services category.
The Nursing Times Awards consist of 25 categories covering a wide range of fields and specialties from mental health to care in the community, as well as diversity and inclusion.
Mira has been recognised for her work to help adolescents understand the dangers of vaping. She explained: “Our service helps parents and adolescents give up smoking, and since 2020 we have seen an increase in vaping among our young patients. Although vaping is less harmful than smoking, it comes with its own health risks, especially for young people whose lungs have not fully developed.
“There is clearly a need for up-to-date information and education around this issue, so as part of my role as a Paediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, I developed an educational talk for secondary schools, tailored for young audiences, with information about the harm caused by adolescent vaping. Since December 2022, I have spoken to around 15,000 children aged 11-18 years old within London, Kent and Brighton. The talk includes details on what a vape is, harmful ingredients, the addictive qualities of nicotine, health effects on our lungs and brain, as well as information for teachers and parents on the reasons why adolescents might take up vaping, and practical advice.
“We are now using our knowledge to educate and inform our colleagues in different NHS Trusts around the UK, with the aim of helping younger patients be more aware of the harms of vaping, and to help give up the habit.
“This nomination and shortlisting of such a prestigious nursing award feels very special to me. I am fully dedicated to health prevention and to have the award panel recognise this initiative as innovative, inclusive and patient-focused means the world to me. I feel very proud to be working in King’s College Hospital with my paediatric respiratory team who continuously support my work. I am particularly thankful to our Head of Nursing Children’s Health, Sarah Harris, and Paediatric Respiratory Consultant, Dr Cara Bossley, for their ongoing positive encouragement towards this project.”
Tracey Carter, Chief Nurse and Executive Director of Midwifery at King’s College Hospital, added: “With the support of her colleagues, Mira has worked extremely hard to help teenagers and young people know the facts about vaping and avoid the long-term damage this can cause. It is fantastic to see this work recognised by the Nursing Times Awards, and it is a testament to Mira’s dedication to providing our community with life-changing advice and support.”
The winners of the Nursing Times Awards will be announced on Wednesday 23 October 2024. To find out more, visit https://awards.nursingtimes.net/2024/en/page/home