National award for innovative nursing initiative

The National Junior Leadership Academy is led by Professor Laura Serrant from the University of Wolverhampton, and Stacy Johnson and Dr Aru Narayanasamy, University of Nottingham.

It identifies potential nursing leaders in the early stages of their career journey and develops their knowledge, attitude and skills through mentoring and internships.

The initiative won the Teaching Innovation of the Year in the Student Nursing Times Awards 2014 this month. Louise Goodyear, Student Editor for the Student Nursing Times, who is also the University's Faculty for a Education, Health and Wellbeing student representative, was also selected to present awards at the ceremony.

More than 100 students applied for the Academy and 25 were chosen to take part in a year-long pilot scheme, which included mentoring, internships and project work. They also secured a placement with a mentor who is an existing senior leader.

Professor Serrant and Stacy Johnson applied for funding from the Higher Education Academy for the scheme after researching the need for diverse leaders in the NHS.

Professor Serrant said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Academy has received this recognition. “The initiative has received very positive feedback from all concerned and has helped talented nurses develop their leadership skills early in their careers. We hope it will continue in the future.”

ENDS

For more information please contact Emma Pugh in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736.

Date Issued: Thursday May 8, 2014