University lecturer lands top nursing award

A University of Stirling nursing lecturer has picked up a top prize at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2018.

Teaching Fellow Jennie Young was named Educator of the Year at the awards ceremony, held at the London Hilton on Park Lane yesterday.

“It was an amazing day, with so much to celebrate in the future of nursing,” said Jennie. “I am so honoured to have been the chosen winner amongst very talented fellow finalists.

“I'm still a bit overwhelmed to be honest but it's an incredible feeling. I'm so grateful to my colleagues both academically and clinically and especially the students for making this happen.  

“Mental health nursing is an incredible career and to be able to contribute to the knowledge and skills of the students who will become the qualified staff of the future is a great privilege. I really am truly grateful.”

Professor Jayne Donaldson, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, said: “Jennie has been an inspirational educator, leading our work on trauma-informed care within mental health nursing.  She works jointly between the University and NHS Forth Valley, meaning that her work has influenced both academic nursing and in practice.

“We are delighted her work has been recognised by this award.”

Student nurses, universities and organisations from across the student nursing community were honoured in 19 categories dedicated to celebrating exceptional achievement.

Stirling was the only Scottish university shortlisted in the Educator of the Year category.

Jenni Middleton, Nursing Times editor and host of the Student Nursing Times Awards, said: “The Student Nursing Times Awards are a fantastic celebration of student nurses and the universities and placement providers that educate and train them. 

“The skills, expertise and insight that is taught by educators and mentors in provider organisations as well as in the academic setting is to be celebrated because it inspires our next generation of nursing talent.

“Every year, our judges are stunned by the standard of our entrants, and this year in particular they commented to me just how much better the quality of applicants was. We are delighted to be handing out these trophies to the very best students, and the organisations that are supporting them and helping them to become nurses.”

Going into their 8th year, the Student Nursing Times Awards will return in 2019 and are the only awards recognising student nurses and nurse education.

For more information, visit the Student Nursing Times Awards.