Health professionals of the future shortlisted for excellence in national awards.

At a time when the knowledge and skills of the healthcare professions are being tested as never before, outstanding students and staff from the University of Chester have been shortlisted six times for this year’s prestigious Student Nursing Times Awards 2020.

The University has been shortlisted in the categories of Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year; Nurse Education Provider of the Year (Post-registration); Nursing Associate Trainee of the Year; Student Innovation in Practice; Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs and Student Nurse of the Year: Adult.

The Awards bring together the nursing community to shine a light on the brightest talent making their way into the profession. Highlighting excellence in education across all specialties of nursing, the Awards also provide the opportunity to congratulate the lecturers, practice supervisors, universities, trusts and private organisations going above and beyond to support student nurses on their journey.

Daniel Branch, who is studying Learning Disability Nursing, has been shortlisted for Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year and his work designing a personalised weight loss chart for a patient with a learning disability also earned him a shortlisted place in the Student Innovation in Practice category. Daniel is also an active member of the University’s Student Empowerment Group, where staff and students in the Faculty work together in partnership on developments such as shaping a new curriculum for 2020.

The University’s NMP (Non-Medical Prescribing) team has been shortlisted in the category of Nurse Education Provider of the Year (Post-registration). The changing nature of prescribing has enabled nurses, midwives, pharmacists and allied health care professionals to become additionally skilled and autonomous in numerous specialist roles. And the NMP team has a range of expert nursing/pharmacist and academic backgrounds, such as Advanced Nurse Practitioner, and Health Visiting and District Nursing. The incorporation of this diverse practice, knowledge and experience in primary and secondary care settings provides a platform for pedagogical learning.

Third year Adult Nursing student Rose James has been shortlisted in the category of Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs for her role as Co-Chair of the Faculty’s Student Empowerment Group, which was set up to give students a platform for their voices to be heard and develop an even better experience. Rose has played an active role in working in partnership with the University to help co-write a new curriculum.

Ashley Poole, who is on the Trainee Nursing Associate programme, has been shortlisted in the category of Nursing Associate Trainee of the Year and has been recognised for her professionalism; solution focussed approach; ability to implement evidence-based practice and for recognising its importance in improving patient care.

Kimberley Lowe, who has recently completed her programme in Adult Nursing, has been shortlisted in the category of Student Nurse of the Year: Adult. She was recognised for her exceptional work ethic, commitment to care and her work in Vietnam, where she took part in Negotiated Placement Experience, developing both her knowledge and research.

Professor Angela Simpson, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Care at the University, said: “Now, more than ever, high quality healthcare is in demand. I am extremely proud of the all the students and staff who have been shortlisted for these Awards. This is a real recognition of all the innovation, hard work and commitment shown by all involved and is indicative of the standards we set at the University of Chester. I wish all the candidates the best of luck in the finals.”

The winners will be announced later this year.