Nurse inspired by Florence Nightingale wins Queen’s Nurse title as Mount Olivet lands TWO national award shortlistings
Triple recognition for Devon nurse and care home
A Florence Nightingale-inspired nurse who promised herself as an eight-year-old that she would help make care better has become a Queen’s Nurse.
Jodie Nelder, Registered Manager of Mount Olivet Nursing Home in Paignton, has received the prestigious Queen’s Nurse title from the Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) in recognition of her commitment to improving nursing and care.
The national title is awarded to nurses working in community, primary care and social care who demonstrate a sustained commitment to high standards of patient care, professional development, leadership and improving nursing practice.
The recognition comes as Mount Olivet is shortlisted for TWO National Care Awards – Care Home of the Year, while Jodie is also shortlisted for Care Registered Nurse of the Year.
Jodie was just eight when she watched her grandmother receive end-of-life care.
It left such an impression that she decided she wanted to become a nurse – inspired by Florence Nightingale and determined to challenge the way care was delivered.
Now, decades later, that childhood ambition has become a mission to transform what life in a nursing home can look like.
Jodie said: “I was inspired by Florence Nightingale as a child because she showed what can happen when someone is brave enough to challenge the way things are done.
“To become a Queen’s Nurse while Mount Olivet is also shortlisted for two National Care Awards is incredibly special. I’m incredibly proud of the whole team.”
Mount Olivet has developed what it describes as a “Blue Zone-style” approach to later life, inspired by communities around the world where people tend to live longer, healthier and more socially connected lives.
Residents are encouraged to remain active, eat well, maintain friendships and purpose, and continue doing the things they love.
Jodie has also pioneered a 12-month Dementia and Brain Health Prevention Programme, helping staff, residents and families understand ways of supporting healthier ageing and reducing potentially avoidable dementia risks.
The programme covers exercise, nutrition, hydration, hearing and eye health, blood pressure, mental wellbeing, social connection and cognitive stimulation.
Her leadership has also been tested in some of nursing’s most difficult circumstances.
Just one week after taking over a 55-bed nursing home, Jodie led it through the COVID-19 pandemic without losing a single resident.
Jodie is a member of the Social Care Nursing Advisory Council, working alongside England’s Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, Professor Deborah Sturdy, contributing to wider discussions about nursing and social care.
At Mount Olivet, Jodie has also built a remarkably loyal team.
More than one in three staff have worked there for at least 10 years, including one member of staff with 33 years’ service and four with more than 20 years.
The National Care Awards winners will be announced at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London on November 6.
For more information visit mountolivet.co.uk or call Jodie on 01803 522148
