Derry Nurse receives National Rising Star Award for her work in Dermatology 

Derry native, Lorraine McCauley, who now resides in Jersey, has been appointed a Rising Star Award by the British Dermatological Nursing Group (BDNG) for her work in Dermatology.

The Staff Nurse at Jersey General Hospital, is among just seven in the British Isles who have been recognised with the national award. 

The awards are given to nurses, who are at the beginning of their dermatology nursing career, and recognise those who demonstrate excellence, innovation or a focus on patient-centred care.

Speaking to the Derry News, Lorraine said it still hasn't sunk in that she has been selected and she is still in shock.

Lorraine is a proud Derry woman and said she is thrilled to fly the flag for her beloved city, "I'll never forget my roots, I just hope to inspire others from Derry to follow their dreams."

As well as receiving the award, Lorraine has been invited to attend the World Congress of Dermatology – one of the largest international dermatological conferences - in Singapore next July.

The conference, which takes place every four years, enables specialists to showcase new knowledge, exchange clinical experiences and scientific research as well as to build professional networks.  

The 38-year-old who has lived in Jersey for the past nine years, said: “I’m still in shock. I can’t believe that I have been given this opportunity to attend the World Congress in Dermatology. This will be an experience of a lifetime and I’m so grateful.”

The conference, which takes place every four years, enables specialists to showcase new knowledge, exchange clinical experiences and scientific research as well as to build professional networks.

Lorraine qualified as a nurse last July after undertaking her degree course in Jersey and powering through what she describes as "extremely difficult times" as a student nurse through the COVID pandemic. 

She then jumped straight into her speciality, determined to achieve her goal after coming so far, "I got the job that I wanted after making a career change later in life, it was an amazing feeling, and now I love what I do."

Lorraine, who initially trained as a beauty therapist at Derry's Tech, made a career change as she entered her thirties and decided to study to become a nurse.

She says that without the experience from the North West Regional College behind her, she wouldn't be on the career path that she is currently pursuing, "Without all the amazing teaching at the North West Institute, I wouldn't be on the path I am in Dermatology. My lecturers, Janis Anderson, Grainne McCartie, Catherine Keenan, Emear Mellon, Corriena Moffatt, Jackie Matchett were all incredible and I have to thank them for where I am today."

Lorraine spent a year studying GCSE Maths and then a further year completing an access course – all while working full-time as a beauty therapist in order to pursue her dream.

"There were a few times I wanted to give up," Lorraine said. "Being a student nurse through the pandemic was very tough but with determination and hard work, I got to where I wanted to be."

Lorraine was nominated for the award by Rhea Butler, a Dermatology Clinical Nurse Specialist, who mentored her, before Lorraine was then selected by the BDNG. 

Lorraine hopes that her recent recognition and her new career path over the last few years will help those considering a career change to make the leap, no matter what stage they are at in life, "It is never too late to make a change," Lorraine added.

In the future, Lorraine hopes to combine her training from across all the fields, "Over the next couple of years, I will combine my Beauty Therapy skills and Dermatology experience. Watch this space," she laughed.