Student Nursing Times Award Shortlists Two Bangor University students
Bangor University’s School of Healthcare Sciences is delighted that two students, Abigail Sinnett and Francesca Elner, have been shortlisted in the 2016 Student Nursing Times Awards. Abigail is one of nine student midwives from across the United Kingdom in the Student Midwife of the Year Category. Francesca is one of ten student nurses from across the United Kingdom in the Student Nurse of the Year: Adult Category.
The Student Nursing Times Awards is the only event in the country recognising exceptional students and those who teach them. Now in its 5th year, the event has doubled in size year on year and continues to reward students who have been excelling in their studies and mentors, lecturers and educational providers that have been continuing to shape and inspire our nurses of the future.
This year The Student Nursing Times Awards will pay tribute to student nurses who have demonstrated the academic achievement, clinical prowess and personal qualities that will make them brilliant nurses. As well as recognising and rewarding brilliant nurse educational establishments, universities and honouring those who are committed to developing new nursing talent as mentors, lecturers and providers of placements.
Abigail SinnettAbigail, 22, from Warrington, a third year midwifery student, was overjoyed to hear of the nomination by her best friend and fellow midwife. She said: “I didn't know how to react at first as I didn't feel it was real, then I just started crying with happiness. I was shocked, overjoyed and bursting with happiness.”
About becoming a midwife, she said: “Working with women during moments of enormous change, empowering women to make informed choices about theirs and their baby's care. The role of the midwife, within public health, gives her the opportunity to make a difference to not only to the woman but to the growing family as well. I'm privileged to be in this position. Midwives are helping women not only to make plans but deal with and make decisions during the unexpected. Being an advocate for women within a multi-disciplinary healthcare setting is the part of the role that I love. I can't believe this is the job I'm going to be doing for the rest of my life, I'm so lucky.”
Francesca ElnerFrancesca, 37, from Penley Wrexham, a third year adult nursing student, explains how she is proud of the nomination: “I was extremely humbled by my nomination from University staff, fellow students and previous mentors. I am extremely proud to have been short-listed for the final of the Student Nursing Times Award. I hope that my example shows all student nurses that, even with children, you can not only succeed at being a student nurse but thrive. I thank Bangor University, the RCN, the Student's Union, the Wales Health Student Forum and 1000Lives Quality Improvement for the opportunities which have enabled me to make a difference.”
“I have always known in my heart of hearts that nursing is the career for me. Having left the sector as a young adult to start a family I have pursued a variety of other career paths in search of the same satisfaction, personal achievement and happiness that I found when working as a nurse. Having settled down and completed my family I chose to pursue a career in nursing once more and I am more certain than ever that it is the career for me.”
The winners of the Student Nursing Times Awards 2016 will be announced on 28 April at the London Hilton on Park Lane.
Publication date: 31 March 2016