One of Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership’s (HSCP) Senior Health Nurses, Craig Davidson, is a finalist for a prestigious Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Award in the ‘Innovations in Your Speciality’ category sponsored by Nursing & Midwifery Council.

Craig is one of the co-hosts of nursing podcast series ‘Retaining the Passion: Journeys Through Nursing’. Together with his co-host and friend, registered Mental Health Nurse Clare Manley from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, they discuss and raise awareness on retention in nursing being a significant problem, and this year they’re being recognised by the RCN for the impact and reach that their podcast has had. 

Craig’s passion for nursing started at a very young age when he started visiting the hospital where his mum worked as a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse. Craig said: “Nursing was always a big part of my life, and I always knew I wanted to do something that allowed me to help people.”

After graduating with a BSc Hons (1st) in Nursing Studies from Glasgow Caledonian University, Craig joined our HSCP in April 2021 as a Community Staff Nurse in the Asylum Health Bridging Team and was promoted to Senior Health Nurse in July 2021.

Craig said: “In the Asylum Health Bridging Team, I love that we’re the first port of call when our patients first access health care in Scotland. We only have one chance to make the right first impression, so it has to be a good one.”

Jim McBride, our HSCP’s Head of Adult Services (Homelessness) said: “Since joining the Asylum Health Bridging Team, Craig has been a real asset. His motivation to always go above and beyond has definitely been noticed and we’re proud to have him as part of our team.”

As well as dedicating himself to his nursing career, Craig is incredibly passionate about the impact that his podcast has had. ‘Retaining the Passion’ started in October 2020 and is focused on shining a light on critical issues affecting the nursing profession and society by speaking to various guests about their stories and lived experiences. Clare and Craig then reflect on these discussions and how they and other nurses can improve their nursing practice. They interview guests including fellow nurses, health professionals, patients, carers and advocates about their experiences. The series is entirely self-funded, edited and published and is hosted via their website www.podrtp.com. It’s shared across eight listening platforms and has amassed over 4,000 listeners from 24 countries.

Craig reflected on being an RCN finalist saying, “It’s absolutely amazing. Me and my friend Clare, who is also a nurse, came up with the idea of starting this podcast to bring light to the low retention rates in nursing. It’s unbelievable to think that what started as a way to spread a positive message about nursing has become something that’s really making an impact.”

Currently, Craig is an advocate for health equity and fair and accessible nursing for all. He’s passionate about representing and advocating for populations who traditionally face discriminatory attitudes and behaviours. To this extent, he sat on the working group that developed the NHS Scotland Pride Badge initiative.

Join us in wishing Craig and Clare the best of luck at the awards!