Student Nursing Times shortlisting success

A nursing student and a nursing training programme at Teesside University have been shortlisted in this year’s Student Nursing Times awards.

A nursing student and a nursing training programme at Teesside University have been shortlisted in this year’s Student Nursing Times awards.

Joseph Morley, BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Adult), has been shortlisted for the Student Nursing Innovation in Practice award.

In addition, the University’s FdSc Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship has been shortlisted in the award’s Nursing Associate Training Programme Provider of the Year (pre-registration) category. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on Friday April 28.

Adult nursing student Joseph, 25, from Middlesbrough, said: "I was nominated for a care plan service improvement which I led. The care plan was for a theatre procedure list for chronic pain patients which has since improved theatre efficiency and patient safety."

Joseph, who combines his studies with a part-time role as health care assistant in the neuro theatres at James Cook University Hospital, is due to graduate later this year.

He said: "I'd been working in the NHS for four years before applying to study. I started as a porter in theatres and moved into theatre as a health care assistant. I was keen to challenge myself and take on extra reasonability, which led me to start the degree in 2020.

"I am currently on placement in A&E, which I absolutely love. It involves decision making and accurate assessments of patients and is a fast-paced environment, with a variety of patients and conditions.

"I was nominated for the award by a theatre matron and was very shocked to be shortlisted. It was just an idea I had, which I took to the theatre management team and they gave me the green light and I just ran with it. I never imagined this as a result. I am just so grateful for the experience and the nomination." Mark Wheatley, senior lecturer and Trainee Nursing Associate Programme course leader in the University’s School of Health & Life Sciences, said: “I am incredibly proud that we have been shortlisted for this award. It is testament to the hard work of all the trainee nursing associates who are currently undertaking the programme in very testing and challenging circumstances.

"The course team work so hard to deliver a programme and are so supportive of all the trainee nursing associate. They are a credit to the University and go above and beyond to make sure that the trainee nursing associates reach their full potential."

Students completing the Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship are employed by healthcare providers and the course was developed in close consultation with partners across the region. The course blends classroom teaching alongside work placements to ensure students gain the necessary technical knowledge and practical experience.

Tammy Kirkwood, who has been working as Nurse Associate in mental health while completing the programme, said: "My experience at Teesside University has been brilliant. I served as an army reservist for 15 years and during that time I saw service personnel experience mental health issues, which led me towards wanting to work in mental health. Completing the course has given me confidence. There are great opportunities for learning and the lecturers are so welcoming."

Dr Ann French, Associate Dean, School of Health & Life Sciences, said: "This recognition reflects the quality of our students, staff and the partnerships we have with employers. We are delighted for those shortlisted and send them luck."

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