University of Bradford Shortlisted in Four Categories in Student Nursing Times Awards

The University of Bradford is extremely proud to be shortlisted in four categories in this year’s Student Nursing Times Awards. The awards, now in their third year, recognise excellence in the nursing profession, amongst students, academic staff, mentors and healthcare placement settings.

Second year Adult student nurse, Sam Wallace has been shortlisted in two categories, Care Maker of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs.

Sam was recruited as one of the first 50 Care Makers in the UK, prior to the Chief Nursing Officer’s Conference in 2012. Students and NHS staff who sign up to the Care Maker programme are recognised as ambassadors for delivering excellent care standards on the frontline.

During his summer break and alongside his course placements, Sam gave up his time to work for the Care Makers national campaign office, recruiting additional members and running social media campaigns. Sam’s proactive engagement has resulted in a number of students becoming Care Makers, who may not have done so without his encouragement and support.

Sam has also made an outstanding contribution to student affairs during his time at Bradford, volunteering as a student representative and ambassador, and inspiring others to become involved in running a number of events for students and healthcare professionals.

Third year Adult student nurse, Sarah O’Donnell nominated one of her placement providers for an award. The Learning Disability team at Park View in Keighley is the second shortlisted entry in the Community Placement of the Year category for the University, following last year’s nomination, Hillside Bridge Health Visiting Team, Bradford District Care Trust.

Sarah commented that she felt like a nurse for her whole time in this placement and never just “the student”. “Everyone was inspiring. The team are made up of exceptional, supportive, caring individuals. They constantly strive to improve practice and support students and service users,” she said.

The fourth shortlisted entry is in the Mentor of the Year category, where Elinor Judge from Airedale General Hospital has been nominated by third year nursing student Shamsa Ali.

Shamsa said, “Elinor is not just a good mentor, but a fantastic inspiring mentor, who thoroughly enjoys having students with her to share the knowledge and skill she has gained over the past thirty eight years.”

Head of the Division of Nursing Ruth Girdham, comments, “We are extremely proud of the achievements of both our students and placement providers. We are truly delighted that they have been recognised in these prestigious national awards.”

Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on Thursday May 1, 2014.