Nicola at top of profession

An advanced nurse practitioner recently swapped the corridors of Lincolnshire’s hospitals for a prestigious national dermatology awards ceremony.
Nicola Housam, triumphed in the Dermatology Healthcare Professional Hero category at the 2024 Quality in Care (QiC) Dermatology Awards.
She was nominated for her contribution to dermatology nursing over the last 13 years.
Nicola began her healthcare career as a pharmacy technician in the community, before deciding a career change was needed. Coming from five generations of nurses she chose nursing. Over the last 13 years Nicola completed her MSc Advanced Nursing Practice and Masters Module in Paediatric Dermatology and is now an advanced nurse practitioner working at Lincoln, Boston and Grantham hospitals.
Nicola’s work on bleach baths for patients with atopic dermatitis is now embedded in national practice and reduces the need for antibiotics in these patients. More recently, her research relating to fire safety and emollients has led her to travel across the globe sharing her knowledge and the desire to improve fire safety awareness locally and more widely.
The nomination read: “Nicola is an outstanding dermatology nurse who always maximises her expertise, skills, leadership and personal qualities for the benefit of patients and the continuing development and professionalisation of the speciality of dermatology nursing.
“This is clearly evident in her passion to ensure the safety of our patients when using emollients, which are the mainstay of dermatology treatment regimens.
“A true advocate for patient safety and influencing practice at a national level.”
Nicola was presented her award by Dr Hilary Jones and Steve Symonds from Sanofi who sponsored the awards.
Nicola said: “Having found out about my nomination and becoming a finalist was such an honour.
“Then to discover that one of my dermatology nurse heroes who has inspired my journey, was the person who nominated me was just fabulous.
“Sandra Lawton OBE has been a nurse for too many years than she would care to admit to and won many an accolade and awards herself. So for her to make the nomination and be able to attend in person on the day was a significant highlight.
“Winning was very emotional and I had many colleagues in the audience who have supported and inspired me on my journey.
“It was so evident from all of the winners and finalists that everyone in dermatology is working hard and striving to improve patients’ lives and care.”