UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 13 MAY 2015
The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work’s Laura Fitzgerald is the Nursing Times’ Student Nurse of the Year for Mental Health.
The Student Nursing Times Awards celebrates the very best in student nurses, paying tribute to students who have demonstrated the academic achievement, clinical prowess and personal qualities that will make them brilliant nurses. The University’s Rebecca Kidman, who works as Student Editor for the Nursing Times alongside her studies, was also shortlisted in the mental health nurse category, with Rachel Herlihy shortlisted in the adult nurse category.
The awards were handed out during a ceremony at London Hilton Hotel last Thursday 7 May. The ceremony was the culmination of a demanding awards process, which included a written application and a 20 minute interview with the judging panel, where the students answered questions about their work and achievements so far.
Laura was shocked and excited to win the award. She says, "I was genuinely surprised to receive this award and I'm still trying to get my head around such a massive achievement. It's an unbelievable way to start my career and I'm excited to make the most of any opportunities which may arise from winning.
"I can't praise the mental health lecturers at Birmingham City University enough - without their support and encouragement there is no way I would have gone for, let alone won, such a prestigious award."
Andrew Walsh, Senior Lecturer at the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, points to a number of ways that Laura must have impressed the judges. He says, “Laura has involved herself in a project to educate school children about mental health issues as well as helping to complete research within the local mental health trust. Academically she is one of the highest achieving students we have ever seen.”
This is the second time that one of the University’s mental health students has won this award, which was only set up four years ago. Andrew adds, “This wonderful achievement showcases the fantastic work carried out, not just by Laura, Rebecca and Rachel, but by all of the University’s student nurses.”