A University of Stirling student has been shortlisted for a prize in the Student Nursing Times Awards 2014.
Hilary O’Donnell (44), pictured above, who lives in Doune, Perthshire, is vying to win the “Outstanding Contribution to Practice Placements” category. This aims to recognise a third year student who has made an exceptional contribution to a clinical placement during their training.
The University’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health has also been shortlisted in three other categories of the annual awards. The winners will be announced at the London Hilton on Park Lane on 1 May this year.
Hilary - who is married to Terry and has two children Matthew (12) and Alexander (9) – grew up in Bridge of Allan and attended Wallace High School. She previously worked for the Smith Art Gallery in Stirling.
Hilary’s Advisor of Studies at the University, Dr Kathleen Stoddart, had suggested Hilary apply for the award given the outstanding feedback she’d received from her mentors during a placement at Dollar Health Centre.
Hilary - who also volunteers at Callander Youth Project Trust - said: “I am absolutely delighted that I’ve been shortlisted for this award. I’ve wanted to do nursing for so long and it’s good to get a nod for something I really enjoy doing.”
The University’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health is also hoping for success in three other categories this year:
- Nurse Education Provider of the Year (pre-registration). This is the third year Stirling has been shortlisted for this award, having previously been presented with it in 2012.
- Nurse Education Provider of the Year (post-registration) for “Masters in Health and Wellbeing of the Older Person”. This is the first time Stirling has entered in this category.
- Teaching Innovation of the Year – for “Recognition of the acutely unwell adult using the ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability and Exposure) approach”. The system is used to systematically assess sick patients. It is the third year the University has been shortlisted for this award, having previously won in this category in 2013.
Dr Ashley Shepherd, the Deputy Head for School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health at the University, said: “We’re delighted at this honour. We strive to provide innovative teaching and support methods to deliver the best possible education for all our students. We’ve introduced several new features into courses this year and are pleased that they have been so well-received.”
The University’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health runs a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and CPD courses from its three campuses at Stirling, Inverness and Stornoway. Find out more at www.stir.ac.uk/nmhealth
The Student Nursing Times Awards recognise and reward outstanding students and educational establishments, honouring those who are committed to fully developing new nursing talent. Find out more at www.studentnursingtimesawards.co.uk