Stirling nominated for top nursing awards

University staff and students have been shortlisted at two prestigious awards ceremonies that recognise excellence within the nursing sector.

Reflecting the quality of teaching at Stirling, the University’s Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport will compete for five top accolades at the Student Nursing Times Awards (SNTAs) and two at the Journal of Health Visiting Awards.

Having won the accolade in 2012 and 2016, the University is again nominated for Nurse Education Provider of the Year (Pre-registration) at the SNTAs – making it the only UK higher education institution to make the shortlist in all seven years the awards have been running.

Leanne Patrick.

Also at the SNTAs, Ela Hamer and Devon Buchanan are nominated for Student Nurse of the Year (Mental Health); Leanne Patrick is in the running in two categories: Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs and Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year; and Teaching Fellow Jennie Young is shortlisted in the Educator of the Year category. Significantly, in each of the SNTA categories Stirling is nominated, it is the only Scottish university shortlisted.

At the Journal of Health Visiting Awards, Stirling’s Health Visiting Programme Team – comprising staff members Kathleen Clarke, Alison Hackett and Joyce Wilkinson – is shortlisted for its Contribution to Health Visiting Education. Alison is also nominated for the same award, in an individual capacity.

Ela Hamer is shortlisted for Student Nurse of the Year (Mental Health).

In further success, student Joan MacLeod is in the running for Health Visiting Student of the Year.

Making a difference

Professor Jayne Donaldson, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, said: 'I am delighted that our outstanding students and staff have been shortlisted for these awards.'

'Our students demonstrate how student nurses and health visitors can make a difference – from care delivery to effecting change – at a national level.'

Devon Buchanan is also shortlisted for Student Nurse of the Year (Mental Health).

'Our teaching team thoroughly deserve their recognition as they have demonstrated exceptional commitment this year to deliver a first rate BSc Nursing programme and student experience.'

Reacting to her nomination, Ela said: 'I am delighted to be shortlisted. This not only reflects my personal and professional development throughout my degree, but also the support I have had from mentors, staff and fellow students.'

Prof Jayne Donaldson, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, expressed 'delight' at the news.

'I feel very privileged to be shortlisted and thank everyone who has helped me develop to where I am today.'

Jennie said: 'I feel quite overwhelmed and genuinely, truly grateful to the students and colleagues who nominated me for this award. I am very humbled and honoured to be thought of in this way.'

'Our students make it a pleasure to come to work and it’s fantastic to be able to contribute to their education and skills as nurses of the future.'

Now in their seventh year, the SNTAs, which celebrate the achievements of the student nursing community, will be held at London Hilton on Park Lane, on Thursday 26 April.

The Journal of Health Visiting Awards will take place on Thursday 22 March in Leeds.