Nursing Student of the Year

Becoming a registered nurse/midwife is the culmination of years of study, hard work and dedication. Students must attain both clinical and academic competence in their chosen field of practice to graduate and secure their registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Open to pre-registration nursing and midwifery students in Scotland. This award aims to recognise those who have shown exceptional promise during their professional education and/or practice placement. Nominees for this award will deserve recognition for exceptional achievement during their studies. This could be academic performance, clinical skill, teamwork or outstanding patient care during clinical placement. 

The nominee must be a student nurse or student midwife studying in Scotland at the time of nomination.

The nominee should clearly demonstrate:

• that they have made significant difference and embodied the best of nursing in their chosen field during their studies
• exceptional achievement during their years of study
• the use of a credible evidence base and/or developing an evidence base to underpin the work for which they are being nominated
• a commitment and passion for the nursing or midwifery profession.

If you have any questions or queries regarding the awards, please get in touch by emailing scotlandnurseawards@rcn.org.uk

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Former Nursing Student
Robert Gordon University

Throughout her studies, Chole aimed to support her nursing student colleagues and the future nursing workforce through various platforms such as a nursing podcast, a nursing blog, and a new project called SUNN (Support and Understanding for Neurodivergent Nurses). A neurodivergent student nurse herself, Chloe challenged discrimination and misunderstanding faced by neurodivergent nurses in practice, founding SUNN to provide support and understanding for neurodivergent nurses. The initiative aims to improve the nursing profession by creating a more inclusive environment and enhancing patient care. She plans to disseminate her initiative through her podcast and blog, aiming to bring about meaningful change in the nursing profession. Her nominators credit the support she provided in helping them to overcome many challenges with their learning and wellbeing.

Nursing Student (Mental Health)
The Open University

Kasey, a nursing assistant with prior care experience, struggled with social anxiety and dyslexia when she started working three years ago. Despite her passion to become a nurse, she lacked confidence and felt unworthy of success. Through support and encouragement, she applied to the Open University, balancing work in a dementia ward with studies. Accepted as one of three candidates in NHS Forth Valley, Kasey embraced the challenges, participating in various placements, and initiating projects like a carers’ group and garden restoration for patients. Over time, she has transformed into a confident and competent nursing student, exceeding expectations with her dedication and compassion. Despite her dyslexia, Kasey never missed deadlines, demonstrating remarkable determination and inspiring her peers. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of self-belief and support in achieving one's dreams. Kasey's accomplishments are commendable, especially considering the daily obstacles she faces, making her an inspiration to those considering a nursing career.

University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh Saving Lives project, led by nursing students from the university, has trained over 200 university students and staff in CPR since May 2023. The initiative, funded through the Student Experience Grant, aims to increase bystander CPR rates in Edinburgh. Supported by nursing faculties and Save a Life Scotland, the project includes CPR and AED training, as well as multidisciplinary collaboration. The team managed all aspects of the project, including event organisation, volunteer recruitment, equipment procurement and social media engagement. Their leadership has been exceptional, promoting teamwork and professional development among students. The project's impact extends beyond the university, receiving recognition at national and international levels. As the core team prepares to graduate, they are passing on their knowledge and vision to new student recruits, ensuring the project's continuation. Their nominators applaud their dedication to nursing values and community care.

Former Student (Now working as Staff Nurse), The Open University

Described by her practice assessor as an inspirational role model, Lois studies nursing on her home island of Shetland through the Open University. She was inspired to become a nurse after working as a health care support worker. Showing initiative from the outset, when her assessor suggested learning atrial fibrillation on her next shift, she turned up having prepared a research piece detailing not only the workings and electrical activity of the heart but how to read an ECG. She was nominated for the Student Leadership Programme run by the Council of Deans, and now regularly supports other students virtually to change mind sets from ‘What if I fall?’ to ‘What if I fly?’. With a keen interest in neurology and recognising the limitations of opportunities on a small island, Lois applied for funding to travel to Glasgow for a placement and has already brought back her learning to her rural setting. Lois joined her NHS board Chief Executive to present a livestream on student nursing in remote and rural areas to encourage others to take up nursing as a career and has been supporting colleagues through her role on the Nurse Workforce Wellbeing Group of NES. Her aim is to connect students and create support hubs which look after both academic and emotional needs. Back on the ward, Lois is championing patient movement to reduce lengthy hospital stays and also recently produced a toolkit on respiratory care which is already being applauded as a valuable teaching resource for the whole team.