Student Nursing Times Award winner encourages people to nominate

As the deadline for the 2015 Student Nursing Times Awards draws closer, a previous winner is urging Northumbria nursing students to enter after it transformed her career.

The Student Nursing Times Awards profile the academic achievements and dedication to the nursing profession by students as well as lecturers, mentors and education providers. Nicola McCann, winner of last year’s ‘Student of the Year – Post-Registration’ award, urges those thinking about entering to get involved.

This year, there are 18 categories to enter, and students can nominate themselves or a fellow learner for as many awards as the candidate fits.

Nicola said: “To anyone considering, or hesitant, about putting themselves forward, I would say go for it. It’s not always about winning – just a nomination or getting shortlisted is great and can do wonders for your professional and personal confidence.”

After gaining 100% in a presentation on sepsis and fluid resuscitation, which she presented at a national conference for the British Association of Critical Care Nurses, Nicola, 36, was nominated for the award by one of her lecturers whilst studying for the final module of her critical care course.

A mother of two young girls, Nicola also lectures part-time whilst working in the Royal Victoria Infirmary’s intensive care unit of the regional neuro-trauma centre. She credits the award for opening many doors for her, with her career receiving a big boost.

She is now planning to take her studies a step further as she looks to enrol on a master’s course at Northumbria next year to reach her goal of becoming a senior lecturer.

Nursing Studies graduate, Adrian Anim, who was one of six shortlisted for the ‘Student Nurse for Learning Disabilities’ award in 2014, also feels the awards have benefitted his career.

After receiving three job offers, London-born Adrian, 44, is working with a behaviours and analysis team whilst waiting to start a position in community learning disabilities in South Tyneside.

As a mature student, Adrian found university a culture shock so volunteered to be a course representative and learning leader to push himself academically. He nominated himself after lecturers had remarked that he’d be an excellent candidate.

Adrian said: “I’m extremely proud of myself to be recognised on a national level. As well as serving as a great blueprint for job applications, I’m just so pleased to be recognised amongst my peers.”

The deadline for nominations, for anyone who deserves recognition for their commitment to nursing is Friday 9 January 2015.