Teresa O’Nwere-Tan (BSc Nursing (Adult Nursing), 2012) received the prestigious Nurse of the Year Award at the Nursing Times Awards 2025. Teresa’s career was inspired by her own family’s circumstances and by witnessing the remarkable work nurses do. Today, she balances her part-time role as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner with her own beauty and wellbeing clinic Tan&Co. In addition, Teresa is about to complete her MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice at City St George’s this spring. Teresa wants to encourage nurses not to restrict themselves professionally but to explore every avenue that ignites their passion.
“Having served as a young carer for my brother, who has severe autism and is non-verbal, I developed a deep understanding of the disabled, vulnerable, and neurodiverse communities,” says Teresa O’Nwere-Tan (BSc Nursing (Adult Nursing), 2012), winner of the Nurse of the Year Award at the Nursing Times Awards 2025.
“I felt a compelling desire to advocate for these individuals, especially in a system that often overlooks their needs.”
Teresa applied to universities across the UK to study nursing, and it was City St George’s that recognised her potential.
“My father, who had worked in the City, praised the University for its reputation and its top-ranked nursing programme. It made perfect sense for me to attend a prestigious institution that was also conveniently located, especially as the firstborn daughter.”
At the Nursing Times Awards 2025, which showcases nursing excellence in 25 categories, Teresa’s work as a champion of cardiovascular health was celebrated. It’s an area of medicine that feels personal to Teresa.
“My family history of hypertension and heart failure, leading to end-stage renal failure in some cases, has profoundly influenced my focus,” she says.
“I have been fortunate to learn from exceptional ward sisters at Barts [St Bartholomew’s Hospital], including Imelda Sotto and Dr Tracey Bowden, who inspired me with their dedication to nursing. Many communities of colour face high rates of undiagnosed hypertension, and I believe that early detection and proactive screening are vital in reducing the risks of heart failure and organ failure. I hope NHS England will recognise this need, even as I find the brevity of ten-minute GP appointments concerning.”
Teresa has previously received accolades such as the Queen’s Nurse Award and the Daisy Award and she’s collaborated with organisations like The Pumping Marvellous Foundation and The British Society of Heart Failure.
What does the recent recognition from the Nursing Times Awards mean to her?
“This award holds profound significance for me. As a neurodiverse (ADHD & Dyslexia) woman of colour who has faced discouragement throughout my career, receiving this honour serves to uplift those whose self-esteem has been diminished due to discrimination and bias.”
“My entire career has revolved around continuous learning; I believe that to provide the highest quality of care, one must remain committed to education. It’s essential to acknowledge that no one can be an absolute expert, and that humility is key to professional growth”, she says.
This spring, Teresa is due to complete her MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice at City St George’s.
“The MSc programme has been exceptional, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in the field. Currently, I work in primary care as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) and only have my dissertation to complete in May 2026 before graduation,” Teresa explains.
Teresa’s aspirations have kept her constantly considering how she can develop further as a professional.
“As a part-time primary care ACP, I assess, diagnose, treat, and refer patients with diverse conditions. This role differs significantly from my previous position as a senior specialist nurse in cardiology or dermatology, where I focused on a specific speciality. I have great respect for my colleagues in these areas, as they must possess a broad knowledge base and exceptional problem-solving skills to advocate effectively for their patients. I handle acute cases and long-term conditions while collaborating with GP partners, practice nurses, and the Integrated Care Board (ICB).”
In addition to her role as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Teresa is the founder of her own beauty and wellbeing clinic Tan&Co, which was recently featured in Tatler Magazine and collaborates with popular brands like Hada Labo and Cerave.
“My personal experiences with cystic acne, eczema, and hyperpigmentation compelled me to seek solutions, often masking my skin with makeup,” Teresa says.
“While numerous dermatologists failed to address my needs, one cosmetic doctor, Dr Al-Ayoubi, stood out for his commitment to treating skin of colour. Inspired by his compassionate approach, I aspired to create a clinic that embodies inclusivity and empathy, offering care to all.”
According to Teresa, her aesthetic services offer a holistic approach from the perspective of an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, and her clientele spans the UK and internationally.
“My ultimate vision is to establish a wellness centre that integrates private ACP appointments, prescriptions, referrals, blood testing, and skin and body rejuvenation under one roof.”
Having worked in the sector for over a decade, what is Teresa’s advice to current nursing students and recent graduates?
“I urge you not to confine yourself to secondary care nursing; explore every avenue that ignites your passion. When I began my studies in 2009, hospitals often claimed we lacked the experience to work in emergency departments or GP practices. It is crucial to understand that one cannot gain experience without stepping into the role. Newer students, particularly those transitioning from other professions, can bring fresh perspectives that may enhance team dynamics and workflows; grant them the grace and time to shine.”
And how do you stay motivated in such a challenging profession?
“Cultivating hobbies outside of nursing is essential. While nursing is a fulfilling vocation, it should not define one’s entire identity. I engage in various activities, including running my beauty clinic, playing video games, listening to music, learning languages, and indulging in karaoke. Finding your niche and community is crucial, and it’s vital to recognise that self-care is not selfish; one cannot pour into others without first replenishing one’s own well-being. This is a lesson many NHS managers need to internalise.”
Professional recognition has been meaningful to Teresa on several levels, but when asked about other successes that carry significance to her, she brings it back home.
“I take pride in having encouraged my mother to undergo breast screening, leading to the early detection of breast cancer, for which she is now recovering well from a partial lumpectomy and radiotherapy. I have also begun relearning British Sign Language (BSL) to bridge communication gaps with underserved communities,” she says.
“I aim to inspire fellow nurses, showing them that their current roles need not be their final destination; nursing offers diverse paths to explore. My parents, the hardest-working individuals I know, and my brother, with his continual growth, inspire me daily. I am also grateful for my husband, who provides unwavering support during challenging times.”
A huge congratulations to Teresa O’Nwere-Tan for being awarded the Nurse of the Year Award at the Nursing Times Awards 2025. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Teresa!