Staff and students at Robert Gordon University (RGU) have been shortlisted as finalists for national awards which celebrate the best in nurse education and student nurses.
RGU’s School of Nursing and Midwifery will be represented in five categories of the shortlisted Student Nursing Times Awards which will be held on Thursday, April 28.
The awards, which will be held at London Hilton, Park Lane, 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.
Professor Ian Murray, Head of RGU’s School of Nursing and Midwifery said: “To be shortlisted in five categories at the Student Nursing Times Awards is a credit to our students, partners in practice and our all of our extremely dedicated staff.
“We’re very proud to be recognised at a national level and are looking forward to showcasing the projects in London.”
Student nurse Marty McGouran has been shortlisted for outstanding contribution to student affairs.
Marty was nominated for his intake of the child and young person group. He has also participated in many other university groups to improve the experience of and support students.
Jill Will, a student undertaking a Masters in Advanced Practice has been shortlisted for post-registration learner of the year.
This category recognises the importance of registered nurses continuing to study and develop their career.
Jill has developed her leadership ability both in practice and as a post-registration student, and takes all opportunities available to her to develop not only herself but the care provided to her clients.
Nicola Brownie, a lecturer in the School has been shortlisted for Educator of the year. This category recognises a lecturer who can inspire, enthuse and motivate students and further their quest for knowledge and understanding.
In particular, Nicola has made a significant contribution to the advanced clinical skills module within the School and has an approach that supports student centred learning.
The School has also been shortlisted for Return to Practice Course of the Year.
The course is unique as it has been developed in partnership with NHS Grampian, and now NHS Orkney, to provide an employment model.
Marketing, recruitment and selection are managed using a joint approach that meets the needs of the university and the NHS as an employer.
Successful candidates are then matched with vacancies in clinical areas by looking at their past experience and skills.
Whilst the students are on placement they are paid as a band 2 worker, this will continue until their registration is available; they are then employed as a band 5 in their placement area.
This innovative model facilitates clinical areas that have vacancies to recruit members of staff who have established histories of relevant clinical expertise and qualifications.
For the student on the employment model it means that they can still ‘earn while they learn’ and this has proved a critical element in the transition back into employment as a registered level one nurse.
Finally, the School has been shortlisted for post registration nurse education provider of the year.
This category recognises institutions that offer courses to develop the leadership, management and clinical skills of qualified nurses. The School delivers a variety of post registration courses and continuing professional development modules at various academic levels.
Dr Heather Bain, senior lecturer of post-graduate and CPD education within the School, said: “Being in the north of Scotland serving many remote and rural areas we are challenged in relation to the development of courses and modules.
“Therefore the courses offered need to be flexible in delivery methods to maximise the opportunities for all practitioners to engage with further study. To achieve this we embrace technology and adopt innovative ways to deliver our education.”
For more information on all of the awards finalists, please visit:
https://studentawards.nursingtimes.net/