Double delight for Stirling at national nursing awards

A University of Stirling nursing student and lecturer have picked up coveted prizes at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2017.

Third-year student Sophie Cameron was named Student Nurse of the Year in the Adult nursing category, while lecturer Ivor Smith picked up the award for Educator of the Year.

Lecturer Ivor Smith was awarded the Educator of the Year award.

Now in their sixth year, the Student Nursing Times Awards are the only awards to celebrate the very best in student nurses and nurse education.

The winning staff and student duo picked up their gongs at a glittering ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Achievement

The awards pay tribute to students who have demonstrated the academic achievement, clinical prowess and personal qualities that will make them brilliant nurses.

Sophie, of Nairn, was commended for being honest, authentic and passionate.

Sophie, who is based at the University’s Highland Campus, said: “Winning this nursing award felt really overwhelming. I was humbled to make it as a finalist so to win felt like such an achievement. I’ve been given so many opportunities through my nursing degree at Stirling and I’ve really had the chance to make it my own. This award has shown me what you can do when you push yourself.”

Lecturer Ivor Smith, who was awarded the Educator of the Year award, joined the University on secondment from NHS Forth Valley and teaches on the undergraduate mental health nursing programme.

Ivor said: “This is the second year I have been shortlisted for a Student Nursing Times Award and this year was even more special because I had no idea that I had been nominated by my colleagues and students for the accolade.

“I was delighted to receive such positive feedback from my students, who said the support I give them makes a real difference to their university experience.”

Outstanding nursing

Professor Jayne Donaldson, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, said: “These awards are all about honouring outstanding nursing students and those who are committed to developing new nursing talent.

“Ivor is a perfect example of the passion and commitment needed to be a great teacher. He was selected by the judging panel for his commitment to the mental health profession and his clinical experience is invaluable to our students. We’re very proud that Ivor is inspiring the next generation of nurses at Stirling. He deserves all of the recognition he has received.

“Sophie has a tremendous understanding about what it takes to be a nurse, and her commitment and thoughtfulness are values that will ensure Sophie can make a difference in the world after university.”

Stirling was nominated in five categories in total, including teaching innovation for the Undergraduate Mile A Day and Nurse Education Provider of the Year (Pre-Registration). Student nurse Jane Henley-King was nominated for her Outstanding Contribution to Students Affairs.

Nursing Times and Student Nursing Times Editor, Jenni Middleton, said: “The Student Nursing Times Awards are always very special. Every year I am impressed by the standard of the students who enter - they demonstrate all the hard work, intelligence, enthusiasm, passion and skill we want to see in our future workforce.

“It is incredible to look at what they achieve in addition to their studies. Of course, they could not do that without the support of their mentors on placement and university staff, which is why we are so pleased to be able to honour those individuals and institutions in these awards too. This event shows the excellence entering nursing and we are extremely proud of all our finalists and winners. Congratulations to them all.”

A full list of winners is available on the Student Nursing Times Awards website.