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Students shortlisted in record-breaking nursing awards

30/03/2023
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Two nursing students at the University of Wolverhampton have been shortlisted in the Student Nursing Times Awards 2023 for going above and beyond to support others during their studies.

The awards will be bringing together the nursing community to shine a light on the brightest talent making their way into the profession, highlighting excellence in all specialties of student nursing. The awards also provide the opportunity to congratulate the lecturers, practice supervisors, universities, trusts, and private organisations providing the best support for student nurses during their studies.

Third-year nursing students Ciara Harding and Shahnaz Akhter have been successful in being shortlisted in this year’s record-breaking nominations.

Shahnaz, who studies mental health nursing, has been shortlisted for ‘Student Nurse of the Year: Mental Health.’

Alongside her studies, Shahnaz has taken the time to support her peers in looking after their own mental health and well-being providing one-to-one and accessible support for student nurses. As a school rep for nursing at the Students’ Union, Shahnaz also launched the University’s first nursing society to create a community hub for all student nurses across three campuses.

The nursing society enables students to give each other advice, share experiences, make friends, and have fun. Shahnaz states this is a safe space for people with the same passion to come together to support one another and is hopeful she, along with her peers, have created a legacy that will continue to support future nurses at the University of Wolverhampton.

In addition, Shahnaz, who is also a mum of three, supports people across the Black Country to provide more accessible general health and wellbeing support to those with language barriers.

Volunteering at health events across the region, Shahnaz visits mosques and temples to carry out health checks, raise awareness of the importance of physical activity and healthy eating and provide mental health support to the community.

Following her dedication to mental health support, Shahnaz was recently selected by ‘WeMHNurses’ to attend the NHS England Mental Health Leaders Symposium to discuss support for future nurses with national experts, whilst representing the student voice at the University of Wolverhampton.

 

Shahnaz_awardShahnaz, 48, said: “It’s been a dream for me to be here and become a nurse. It’s somewhere I’d never thought I’d be, which is why I’m taking every opportunity that comes my way and making the most of my time at university.

“I couldn’t believe it when I found out I was shortlisted – to win would be the icing on the cake. It would be a very ‘pinch me’ moment for me, and I know it would make my peers and my children extremely proud.”

Shahnaz has secured a role as a community nurse, offering mental health support to people across the Black Country.

Ciara, who studies adult nursing, has been shortlisted for ‘Student Innovation in Practice.’

Ciara comes from a family of nurses who go the extra mile to support others and make a true difference.

Following the family tradition, Ciara went above and beyond early in her career when the opportunity arose to support her peers.

In 2021, a brand-new system ‘ePAD’ (Electronic Practice Assessment Document) launched for students, staff, and nursing professionals outside the University.

However, the system was difficult for many to use – with very little support or guidance available.

Ciara researched the new system and developed a detailed, but simple step-by-step guide to help students and nurses understand and operate ePAD.

The humble student was unaware of the impact she had created and was overwhelmed to receive a standing ovation from hundreds of students after presenting the new guide.

Ciara has received an enormous amount of positive feedback from her fellow students, lecturers and professional nurses who were previously unable to use the system.

 

Ciara_awardCiara, 23, said: “It feels quite surreal to be shortlisted, I didn’t realise I was making such an impact until I received the incredible reaction from everyone around me.

“I’ve worked really hard to support my cohort and hope the guide will continue to support future students in years to come.

“To win the award would be amazing, it would certainly open more doors for me and be a real ‘staple moment’ so early in my career.”

Following the success of her ‘ePAD guide’, work ethic on her placement and her dedication to supporting others, Ciara has been offered a role on the Cardiothoracic ward at New Cross Hospital.

Kasim Bashir Raja, Lecturer in Nursing at the University, said: “I would like to congratulate both students on their shortlisting for these awards. Having been involved in the nomination process, it makes me exceptionally proud to see their outstanding efforts recognised in this way.

“Nursing is a demanding course wherever it is studied and requires perseverance and resilience which the students have shown day in and day out on this programme to get to this point.

“I’m hoping that they are all successful when they journey to London for the ceremony and I’m sure that the recognition will stand them in very good stead for brilliant careers in the future.”

The Student Nursing Times Awards will take place on Friday 28 April at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Find out more about studying Nursing at the University.

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