UAE nurse who ran free coaching programme for healthcare workers during Covid-19 nominated for award

UAE nurse who ran free coaching programme for healthcare workers during Covid-19 nominated for award

The Irish expat started a mentorship initiative based on skills and interests of nurses

File photo used for illustrative purposes

Published: Fri 14 Apr 2023, 6:00 AM

A UAE-based Irish nurse who reached out to thousands of nurses across the world with her pro bono coaching classes during the Covid-19 pandemic has been nominated for a top award.

Cathy Cribben-Pearse is the only one from the country who has been shortlisted as a finalist for the prestigious Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2023. She joins nine others who were chosen from more than 52,000 entries from 202 countries. The winner will be partially decided through a voting process

“This has become a bigger thing than I expected,” admitted Cathy, speaking to Khaleej Times, saying that her phone hasn’t stopped ringing with support pouring in from all quarters.

“My friend messaged that her 86-year-old grandmother in Canada figured out the voting process on her own and voted for me. I have a web developer in Ukraine. He just messaged me that 26 people from Ukraine have voted for me. It has restored my faith in humanity.”

The ten finalists will face a public voting process, followed by a final evaluation by the Grand Jury judging panel. The ceremony