The annual event brings together the nursing and midwifery community to shine a light on the brightest talent making their way into the profession and this year it received a record number of entries.
BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Child) course mates Kayleigh Knight and Nathan Coley have both been nominated in the ‘Student Nurse of the Year: Children’ category.
Mum of three Kayleigh previously studied psychology and worked with children with special needs before being inspired by her son to pursue a career in nursing.
Kayleigh, who gave birth to her youngest child during her studies, is recognised for going above and beyond to care for patients and their families while on placement and for supporting fellow nursing students at Staffordshire University in her role as student mentor.
The 36-year-old from Leek said: “I’ve never really known what I wanted to do. My son said to me one day ‘why don’t you go back to uni?’ and so I took a punt and applied.
“I completely wasn’t expecting to be shortlisted for this award, it hasn’t sunk in yet!” she commented. “I have ADHD and feel like I’ve always been an underachiever. I love working with children and when I started this degree it was a real lightbulb moment.”
Nathan, 29, from Wolverhampton, decided to change career after working in family entertainment on cruise ships and in children’s theatre. After returning to college, he is now in his final year at Staffordshire University.
“It feels absolutely amazing and surreal to get this recognition,” he said. “For me, the support from the pediatric nursing team here at Staffordshire University has been the highlight. The lecturers have been fantastic. They always have time to listen and let you go at your own pace.”
BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Adult) student Jacob Evans is shortlisted in the ‘Student Innovation in Practice’ category after raising concerns over the lack of access to opioid reversal drugs, which could be used in a cardiac arrest, and presenting the case for community nurses to have access to the drug with senior NHS colleagues.
The 24-year-old from Meir Hay was also inspired by a family member to enter the nursing profession. “My mum was a midwife and I remember from an early age being in awe of her work. She was like a superhero to me,” he explained. “I’m in shock to be honest but very excited and honored to be recognised!”
Highlighting excellence in all specialties of student nursing, the awards also provide the opportunity to congratulate the lecturers, practice supervisors, universities, trusts and private organisations providing the best support for student nurses during their studies.
Staffordshire University’s BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Child) course is shortlisted in the ‘Nurse Education Provider of the Year (pre-registration)’ category and its Nursing Associate Apprenticeship is in the running for the ‘Nursing Associate Programme of the Year’ award.
Rhiannon Evans from the Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is also up for ‘Practice Supervisor of the Year’ for her role in supporting Staffordshire University students during their placements.
Mike Phillips, Executive Dean of the School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences, said: “To be shortlisted in five categories is a fantastic achievement. Educating students to provide the highest standard of patient care is at the heart of what we do, and we are extremely proud of our inspirational students who go above and beyond to demonstrate this.
“At Staffordshire University, the use of innovative teaching practices and technologies are key to preparing our students for their future careers, so we are delighted that both our Nursing Practice (Child) degree and Nursing Associate Apprenticeship have been recognised. Of course, this wouldn’t be possible without the hard work, dedication and support from all our academic teams, professional support colleagues and industry partners. Congratulations to you all!”
Winners will be announced at the Students Nursing Times Awards 2024 ceremony on Friday 26 April at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane.
Discover more about Staffordshire University’s range of healthcare degrees.