Meet our Student Nursing Times Awards 2022 Nominees
It’s been an incredible year for the School of Nursing and Midwifery, as not only has the University been nominated for four Student Nursing Times Awards, but several of our students are also up for accolades in multiple categories.
The Student Nursing Times Awards aim to celebrate the brightest talent in the profession, and recognise those making nursing innovative, patient-focused, and inclusive.
Get to know our nominees below.
Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year, Student Nurse of the Year: Children
Abbie dealt with anxiety which impacted her daily life, but instead of letting it get the best of her, she went above and beyond in her studies. Abbie created the WOW! Awards, which encourages students and staff throughout the department to celebrate themselves. She will be leaving a legacy of close working relationships between student nurses and academics.
“I was encouraged to nominate myself by several of my tutors. The support I have received has been completely overwhelming, and I feel incredibly honoured to be up for not just one, but two awards.”
Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year, Student Innovation in Practice, Student Nurse of the Year: Learning Disabilities
A lack of confidence held Sally-Anne back for years, after being outcasted at school due to learning disabilities. Through persistence, Sally-Anne finally gained the courage to apply to BCU, where she has received exceptional grades and contributed to numerous projects, taking a leading role in advocating for Makaton to be embedded further into the curriculum.
“I believed that by undertaking my degree I would be able to support people with learning disabilities and improve their life outcomes by enabling positive change. What I didn’t expect was that it would change me. I have grown into a more confident person and have been able to inspire others inside and outside of the University. My journey has been one of self-discovery and change for every person I have been fortunate to meet.”
Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs
Maggie’s enthusiasm for contributing to projects in and outside the University has landed her a worthy nomination. She has been involved in Women’s Aid, The Chill Out Hub, and is also an RCN ambassador. It doesn’t stop there, as Maggie is due to travel to Ghana later this year to volunteer in an underprivileged hospital.
“I’m so proud that many of my fellow students have also been shortlisted, as we’ve all been through the same experience together. So many of them are doing amazing work in the nursing world, and it feels special to be alongside them.”
Student Nurse of the Year: Learning Disabilities
Despite being diagnosed with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder during her teenage years after months of misdiagnosis, Fleur became even more determined to be the best nurse they could be. Alongside their studies, Fleur contributes to the Student Nurse Project, and has also given talks and shared insight at the Nextgen Nursing Insight Day and the Future LD Nurses Network.
“Studying to become a nurse is a challenge in itself, but doing so whilst having a physical disability provided an extra layer of challenge. Winning this award would help highlight that nurses with disabilities exist and are a valuable part of the NHS workforce.”
Student Nurse of the Year: Children
Jessica’s enthusiasm for learning shone through, as she excelled in all of her placements with the best grades possible.
Jessica’s tutor, Ilana Pressick, said: “In all my years teaching and being Head of Department, I’ve not seen a student who achieves academically and on placement as well as Jessica. Every single placement she attended her practice supervisors were beyond impressed with her nursing skills. The most unbelievable thing about Jessica is how humble she is. She just wants to look after sick children and their families and be the best nurse that she can be.”
Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year, Student Midwife of the Year
Throughout her studies, Sarah has focused on ensuring that vulnerable women are provided with additional support, and strongly believes in paying forward kindness and knowledge to her fellow midwives and beyond. Sarah’s poignant honesty regarding the trials and tribulations of being a midwife, particularly throughout the pandemic, has been received as refreshing and important. She has highlighted how essential peer to peer support and the unity of a workforce is.
Sarah said: “I just love what I do, and no matter the outcome of the awards, I am so humbled to have had this opportunity to express my story. It has been a real kick to helping me power through and complete my degree.”
