University shortlisted in four categories at Student Nursing Times Awards 2025

The annual awards bring together the nursing and midwifery community to shine a light on the brightest talent making their way into the profession. Highlighting excellence in all specialities 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. 

This year, the University of Chester has been shortlisted in four categories. Two of them focus on the University’s collaborative work with other institutions in the sector, while the other two recognise the outstanding efforts of student nurses. 

• One of the University’s collaborations has been with Cheshire & Merseyside Training Hub, which has seen their efforts earn a nomination in the Student Placement of the Year: Community category.  

They have worked with learners to help create and promote primary care as a career pathway for newly qualified nurses. The Leadership Placements in Primary Care, piloted in October 2024 to extremely positive feedback, saw learners gain further understanding of primary care and career opportunities available to them, as well as providing an innovative approach to increasing placement capacity. 

• For the Partnership of the Year category nomination, the University teamed up with the University of Dundee and NHS Scotland to develop a supportive resource for pre-registration learners and practice educators, during the assessment process and in generating evidence for the completion of proficiencies. The toolkit has received extremely positive feedback to date regionally.

Julie Smith, Senior Lecturer in Nursing (Teaching and Scholarship) at the University of Dundee, said of the partnership: “I did not think that working between universities in different countries would have been so successful. This was a privilege and emphasised the national priorities for good quality nurse education leading to excellent patient care. Communication and collaboration was our priority and the results have surpassed our expectations.”

Lee Caiger, Enabling Effective Learning Environments (EELE) programme lead at the University of Chester, added: “This group of extremely passionate nursing educators are very deserving of recognition at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2025, due to their commitment to growing their community of practice in the support of pre-registration nurses nationally, and sharing best practice and demonstrating their sheer commitment to supporting the development of the future nursing workforce. Being a part of this wonderful group has been beyond inspiring.”

• Sarah Whyatt, known as Rosie, is shortlisted for the Student Nurse of the Year: Children category. Child Field Senior Lecturer Karen Blythe, who nominated Rosie, said she “excels both academically and in practice”, adding: “Her exceptional placement feedback includes a 'Golden Reference' from a Tier 4 Child and Adolescent unit, praising her proactive, empathetic approach and exemplary professionalism.

“Another instance saw a parent commend her advanced communication and kindness during a clinical procedure, likening her to an experienced nurse. The student is deeply committed, balancing university, placements and her dedication as a young carer. With her compassion, skills, and dedication, there is no doubt that she has a promising career ahead.”

• Sarah Hodson has been shortlisted in the Student Nurse of the Year: Learning Disabilities category. Nursing and Healthcare education Lecturer Chantelle Burgess, who nominated her, said Sarah “chose to promote the evidence around the need to prevent constipation in people with intellectual disabilities who have been admitted to a general hospital, clearly identifying factors that can increase the risk of constipation those with intellectual disabilities and some issues identified in the literature that prevent this service user group from being given the care that they need.

“Sarah’s practical approach to improving the health care experience and outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities is a cornerstone of reducing health inequalities for this client group.”

Professor Angela Simpson, Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Society, said: “It is wonderful to see the efforts of our faculty’s collaborations and the dedication of our student nurses being recognised. I wish them the very best of luck in the award finals.”

The winners will be announced on Friday, May 2 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

Image: Sarah (Rosie) Whyatt and Sarah Hodson.