Long Service Award

The Long Service Award is available to all community nurses in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands who fulfil the following criteria:

• A community nurse is eligible for a Long Service Award on completion of 21 years of service working in the community (can be either full-time or part-time), even if some of this time has been in management or education. This is subject to confirmation by the applicant’s employer.
• Post-registration training courses or periods of service overseas that are related to community nursing will be taken into consideration. All applications will be considered on an individual basis.
• Successful applicants will receive a Long Service Badge and Certificate.

*Please note that we are not accepting applications at this time, as we are reviewing the procedure and cost of providing the badge. Awards will continue in 2025.*

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions for our eligibility criteria for this award.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between the Outstanding Service Award and the Long Service Award?

• The Outstanding Service Award is given to community nurses who have made an exceptional contribution to nursing. Individuals must be nominated by their employer and then assessed by the QNI. The Long Service Award is available to all community nurses completing 21 years of service.

Is there a closing date?

• No. Applications are accepted at any time.

Who can apply?

• Any nurse who has worked in the community for a period of twenty one years is eligible to apply. This applies to District Nurses, Community nurses, Health Visitors, and those working across other disciplines such as School, General Practice or Mental Health and nurses working in specialist services. Please contact the QNI Practice Development team if you are not sure.

I am retired, can I apply for the Long Service Award?

• You can apply if you retired no more than two years before the date of your application and your former manager is able to countersign your application form.

I have only ever worked part-time; can I apply for a Long Service Award?

• Yes, you can apply for the Award, regardless if you worked full-time or part-time, as long as you have 21 years of service in the community.

I’m an enrolled nurse working in the community, can I apply?

• Yes. Applications are welcomed from enrolled nurses.

I have completed 21 years of service but have gaps in my employment history, am I still eligible?

• Gaps in service are acceptable providing that total service in community nursing equates to 21 years.

I have been a community staff nurse for 21 years but don’t have a specialist qualification, am I still eligible?

• Yes, additional post-registration qualifications are not necessary in order to apply for the Long Service Award.

I have been trained as a district nurse for over 21 years but have spent some of that time working as a health visitor and midwife as I am dual-trained, am I still eligible?

• Yes, as long as you can demonstrate 21 years working in the community.

I qualified 21 years ago but have spent some of that time working in hospitals, am I still eligible?

• No. Only service as a community nurse will fulfil the criteria.

Do I have to be nominated or can I apply personally?

• Applications must come from the individual nurse.

From what date do I calculate my 21 years service?

• 21 years service must be calculated from the date of commencement in community nursing employment.

Can educators/managers apply for a long service badge?

• Yes: community nurses with some of their service in education or management are eligible.

What proof do I need to show 21 years of service?

• Photocopy of certificate of successful completion of Nurse training (as RN or EN).
• List of dates and posts held in community nursing, either full or part-time.
• Signature from your current manager to verify your employment history.

I’m a District Nurse working in Scotland, can I apply?

• No. Please contact QNI Scotland, which runs a similar scheme www.qnis.org.uk

Does service in Scotland count if I’m now working in England?

• Yes, however, if your main residence and career is in Scotland, you should apply to our sister charity, QNI Scotland instead.

What about Wales and Northern Ireland?

• Yes. Applications are welcome from community nurses working in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or Channel Islands.

How much does the Long Service Award cost?

• The cost is £25 to include certificate, badge, administration, postage and packaging. We accept bank payments only. Please email gabriella.acen@qni.org.uk for details.

How will I receive my award?

• Successful applicants will receive a Certificate and at a later stage also a Long Service Badge.

Does having a Long Service Award make me a member of the QNI’s fellows and alumni?

• No, but you are welcome to join the QNI community by registering on our website at www.qni.org.uk. You will then receive all our regular information and updates.