The annual event celebrates outstanding students from across the UK on their journey to entering the nursing profession, as well as all those who support them along the way, including lecturers, universities and healthcare providers.
Last year, Staffordshire University was named Nurse Education Provider of the Year (Post-registration) and is in the running for more awards than ever before at this year’s event.
This year’s shortlisted students are:
Final year BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Child) student Michelle Allen is shortlisted for both Student Nurse of the Year (Child) and Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year for going above and beyond in her delivery of care for young patients.
After securing a place to study nurse training at the age of 18, Michelle put her dreams on hold. However, she kept her passion for nursing and 15 years later began her journey to becoming a children’s nurse.
On placement, Michelle has supported families during emotional situations, such as the diagnosis of chronic illness, and has been praised for looking after patients with empathy and compassion. Often going the extra mile to support others, Michelle took charge when an elderly gentleman suffered a fall in the road and was unconscious, administering first aid until paramedics arrived.
Michelle regularly achieves top grades and makes recommendations for how the student experience could be improved. She has also written a blog about her experiences which will be published in the Nursing Times.
BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Mental Health) student Surina Ainsworth is shortlisted for Student Nurse of the Year: Mental Health. Surina has worked tirelessly to achieve her goal of becoming a registered nurse, inspired by her personal journey and recognised disabilities of neurodiversity.
Surina is passionate about sharing her experiences to support others who are neuro divergent, promoting social inclusion for both students and service users. This includes being Deputy Lead for Staffordshire University’s Combined Ability Network and speaking at Disability Awareness Month events.
Shortlisted for Learner of the Year: Post-registration is MSc Advanced Clinical Practice student Simon Fraher, who works as Physical Health Lead across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. Simon has excelled on the course, and the nomination recognises his ability to put evidence-based theory from his studies into practice, including leading a successful new service to help monitor patients with mental health illness.
BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Adult) student Wendy Bustacchini is recognised in the Student Nurse or Midwife of the Year: Clinical Research category. With an impressive research skillset, Wendy has helped to “bridge the gap” between research and practice. On placement, she identified improvements for the administration of medicines, and is working with researchers at Staffordshire University to explore and influence healthcare safety.
Mike Phillips, Executive Dean of the School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, said: “We are immensely proud of our talented nursing students who have been shortlisted. Their passion for providing the highest standard of care and for striving to be the best nurses they can be is inspiring.
“The Student Nursing Times Awards is a prestigious event, and all four students should be enormously proud that their hard work, dedication, and achievements are being recognised nationally. We wish them all good luck!”
Winners of the Student Nursing Times Awards will be revealed at a glittering ceremony on Friday 28 April 2023 at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London's Park Lane.
Discover more about Staffordshire University’s range of healthcare degrees.