A NURSING student and a long-serving nurse educator at the University of Worcester have both been shortlisted for prestigious awards.
Andrew Jesson, a third year student, was recently shortlisted for the ‘Student of the Year’ award, while Steve Wilding was shortlisted for the ‘Educator of the Year’ award, in the Student Nursing Times 2017 Awards.
Mr Jesson has impressed both his lecturers and fellow students through his commitment to the nursing profession and helping others.
He has been involved in numerous fund-raising events as well as high profile conferences around the world, including a UN conference in Brussels and the General Practice Nursing conference earlier this month.
Mr Wilding has worked as a nurse educator at the University of Worcester for more than ten years, following 33 years as a mental health nurse and senior manager in the NHS.
His passion for the profession and unique methods of getting students to empathise with their patients were just two of the reasons he was shortlisted.
The awards pay tribute to students who have demonstrated the academic achievement, clinical prowess and personal qualities that will make them top nurses.
They also honour those who are committed to developing new nursing talent as mentors, lecturers and providers of placements.
This is the seventh year the University of Worcester has been shortlisted in the Student Nursing Times Awards, with students, staff and the pre-registration programme itself all being honoured.
Mr Jesson said: “I’m really humbled. I didn’t expect to get this far in the awards.
Before I started my degree I spent a long time working with people with learning difficulties. I’ve always wanted to help other people as it’s something that’s a huge part of my life.”
Mr Wilding said: “I feel so proud to have even been nominated, let alone getting to the shortlist. I enjoy every aspect of my job. I tell students it’s a privilege to be a nurse and I feel it’s a privilege to teach student nurses.”
Robert Dudley, head of nursing and midwifery at the University of Worcester, added:
“It’s wonderful to have both Andrew and Steve shortlisted in these awards.
“Andrew is a first-class student who will make a most excellent nurse and Steve is a truly inspiring colleague, who gives everything to his students and the nursing profession.
“We couldn’t be more proud of both of them.”
The winners will be announced at the Student Nursing Times Awards ceremony, on Thursday, April 27 at the London Hilton on Park Lane.
