Buckinghamshire New University has been named a finalist across three categories in this year's Student Nursing Times Awards.

BSc (Hons) Nursing (Children's)  third-year students Leia Grant and Malgorzata Stanikowska have been shortlisted as Student Nurse of the Year: Children, in recognition of their outstanding academic performance, and motivated approach to learning and development.

Melanie Hayward, Senior Lecturer at Bucks, said of her students: “Both Leia and Gosia [Malgorzata] are amazing role models for other student nurses. Committed students and passionate nurses who have dedicated themselves to developing both personally and professionally throughout the course.

“They are both enthusiastic learners, and equally hardworking, managing to achieve fantastic results whilst juggling many personal commitments – I’m so proud of them both for being shortlisted – it is so deserved.”

Sanita Rambrichh, who works in the Forensic Unit at West London NHS Trust, has been shortlisted as Practice Supervisor of the Year, who works with Bucks to support students in their placements.

Bucks is also recognised within Partnership of the Year shortlist for our contribution to Pan London Practice Assessment Document.

Plus, the University has contributed to a shortlisting for Imperial College Healthcare Trust for Student Placement of the Year: Hospital, thanks to second-year BSc (Hons) Nursing (Children’s) student Edel Roach.

Edel nominated Westway ward at St Mary's Hospital, part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, for the award following a rewarding placement she undertook during her first year.

Donato Tallo, Practice Education Facilitator at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “Edel has been able to articulate how positive her experiences where and illustrate clearly why she felt Westway was such a supportive learning environment.

"We are delighted and proud that Edel has enjoyed such a positive experience through her placement on Westway ward. It is a wonderful achievement to be shortlisted and something to be celebrated.”

Professor Karen Buckwell-Nutt, Head of School - Nursing and Allied Health, said: “I’m so proud that we are again able to showcase the excellent work within the School. All our students are a credit to us and it is wonderful that Leia and Malgorzata are being recognised as individuals who have positively impacted on their community.

“Sanita’s outstanding support to our students while on placement and the Schools’ engagement in developing a region-wide Practice Assessment Document (PLPAD) are examples of how we work collaboratively with our partners to provide quality practice learning experiences.’’

The awards bring together the nursing community to shine a light on the brightest talent making their way into the profession.

Highlighting excellence in education across all specialties of nursing, the awards also provide the opportunity to congratulate the lecturers, practice supervisors, universities, trusts and private organisations going above and beyond to support student nurses on their journey.

The winners for 2020 will be announced on Friday 24 April at the Grosvenor House on Park Lane, London.