With genuine enthusiasm and heartfelt appreciation, I nominate Walter Burog, Head of Professional Practice at The London Clinic, for recognition as an outstanding DAISY AWARD for NURSE EDUCATOR. Over the past four months, Walter has exemplified the qualities of a true leader and mentor, profoundly impacting my professional growth as a clinical practice educator and bringing positive changes within the entire education team and various professionals within the organization. His leadership has provided a sense of security and confidence, knowing that we are guided by someone who truly cares about our growth and success.

From my first time working in the private sector, Walter demonstrated unparalleled support and kindness that helped me build connections to staff members across the hospital. His calmness, transparent demeanor, and openness have created a conducive environment where one feels valued and encouraged to excel. With his clear guidance, I was able to gradually adjust with our team and be able to deliver teachings with them in as early as my month of starting my new role. I can certainly say I would not be able to do this without his extraordinary ability to bring out the best in each team member, fostering a sense of confidence and competence. His supportive approach has not only elevated my own performance but also inspired the entire team to strive for excellence, such as continuity of the preceptorship program, creating assessors in different competencies, and OSCE passers to be registered nurses, to name a few! He is flexible and adaptable as he also modifies, reviews or participates himself in the delivery of teachings while he nurtures us all together as educators.

Walter does not only have well-articulate ideas but is a true problem solver, always focusing on solutions and the way forward; his leadership ensures no one is left behind- inclusion and diversity come naturally to him, and he champions these values tirelessly within the workplace. I could also see his creative passion while I watched him cut papers into DAISY flowers, design promotional educational boards at events, and laugh with random people who passed by our office, showing his strong collaborative working relationships. His commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment is admirable, and his bubbly personality makes working and teaching never a dull moment when he is around. 

Despite facing a personal challenge when he had an unfortunate event that limited his physical presence when I started my post, Walter maintained regular communication with me, helping me set my objectives and gradually leading to my job planning supporting the cancer services and the whole people development team. This is a remarkable character given his position, I have to say, as not all line managers can truly dedicate that ample time to staff, and he has shown a proper work ethic that helps us establish learning outcomes and always provides constructive feedback. 

Beyond supporting nurses, Walter extends his guidance and mentorship to AHPs (allied health professionals) and certainly to other departments as well. His commitment and holistic approach to professional practice set a high standard and serve as a model I can look up to in my career. His mentorship has been invaluable, guiding me through challenges and supporting my growth, and I know many others feel the same. I aspire to be like him in the future. He naturally loves what he does and shows that learning is a life-long process and a journey we can share with others for personal and professional growth. I believe he truly deserves this recognition beyond words.