Shortlisting success for Nottingham Children's Hospital nurses
Two Nottingham children's nurses, Jennifer Brown and Jade Mitchelmore have been shortlisted for the Student Nursing Times Awards.
Jennifer has worked at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) since 2011 and has been shortlisted in the Mentor of the Year category. She was commended for the emotional support she offers to students and her dedication to helping them develop as nurses.
Her nomination said: "Jennifer is renowned as being a positive mentor who understands the anxieties that clinical learning experiences can generate. She is trusted by students, clinical and academic colleagues alike to develop each student's potential.
"Jennifer's approach is gentle, considerate and appropriately assertive, while providing the opportunity to become involved in all aspects of care delivery."
Her friendly and personable approach was also commended by a student, who said: "My work placement came as a big shock to me, but when I was getting very stressed she would sit me down and just talk to me. She supported me both personally and professionally which was greatly appreciated."
Jennifer, who works on Ward D33 said: "I feel very privileged to be shortlisted. For me, being a mentor is a key part of nursing and I enjoy leading by example. I hope to empower students to nurse in their own style. All students learn and practise in different ways and I really enjoy helping them reach their full potential."
Jade, a fourth year student nurse at Nottingham University has been shortlisted in both the Student Nurse of the Year: Children and the Inspirational Student of the Year categories.
Since starting as a first year student nurse Jade has been a key part in developing and leading the Student Task Group into a fully recognised council within NUH's shared governance framework. This group focuses on empowering student nurses to implement changes and innovations throughout the hospital.
She was nominated by Sue Haines, Assistant Director of Nursing at NUH, who said: "I can honestly say I have never ceased to be inspired by Jade, as a truly unique and highly motivated, caring and compassionate student nurse.
"Jade works so hard, not just in clinical placements, but academically and through contributing to much wider strategic and professional nursing objectives. She has engaged and inspired nurses across generations with her passion for nursing."
Jade said: "It's overwhelming to find out I've been shortlisted in two categories. It makes me feel really proud and has inspired me with confidence for the next part of my nursing journey. It's definitely the highlight of my student nursing career so far. It's fantastic to have so many people believing in me and supporting me to be the best nurse I can be."
Lydia Briggs, Clinical Academic Trainee in Cancer and Associated Specialities at NUH has also been shortlisted for Learner of the Year: Post- registration. The student Nursing Times awards will take place on 28 April in London, see the full shortlist here.