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Nottinghamshire Healthcare colleagues have been shortlisted in two Student Nursing Times Awards for going above and beyond to support patients, as well as providing excellent placements for students.

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.

Charlotte Bowers, Staff Nurse at Highbury Hospital, has been shortlisted in the Student Innovation in Practice Award category. 

Charlotte was nominated for the award for a fantastic sensory box she created for her final university assignment, to support new admissions to acute wards. Her idea was to provide a risk-assessed sensory box that could provide comfort and support, especially for those with sensory needs. The items in the box include earplugs, herbal teas, hand cream, lip balm, mindful journaling exercises, breathing exercise templates, fidget toys, and an eye mask. It can be risk assessed individually and also adapted for patient’s preferences.

Often people are admitted and cannot have some of their own property on the wards for safety reasons- whereas the sensory box is designed to belong to each individual and continue to provide comfort. 

Charlotte said:  

“I’m really excited to have been shortlisted, it’s so important to me that the sensory needs of each individual are acknowledged and supported and having my work put forward for an award is one step closer to a greater understanding of the sensory needs of people in hospital. 

“Supporting sensory needs is important to me due to my late diagnosis of Autism in 2022. Being an autistic nurse has allowed me to advocate for the sensory needs of others, as I use these items every day.

“Being shortlisted feels quite overwhelming as I have only been qualified since September but it really motivates me to continue this work in my career!”

The Ashfield Integrated Care team at the Trust has also been shortlisted in the Student Placement of the Year: Community category for community teaching. 

Students that have attended this placement put forward this team for recognition to Nottingham Trent University, for going above and beyond to demonstrate value and respect for students, provide personalised learning experiences and including them as team members. 

Students reported that they made regular time throughout each day to check in with how they were getting on and that they had the support in place they needed to meet their learning needs. They were encouraged to reflect not only with assessors and supervisors, but also the wider team. The team also saw this as a learning opportunity in order to continue development and growth. 

  Diane Hull, Executive Director of Nursing, AHPs and Quality said:

“We are so proud to see our colleagues nominated in the Student Nursing Times Awards. 

“Charlotte has used her personal experiences to really consider new ideas for how best she can support her patients, which is fantastic. 

“Our Ashfield Integrated Care team has really gone above and beyond to ensure student nurses have the best possible experience on their placements. They really value them as team members and do all they can to help them to learn and grow. It is brilliant to see the team receive such positive feedback.

“Wishing them the best of luck for the next stage”

Helen Rees Field Lead Mental Health Nursing/Senior Lecturer, Nottingham Trent University, who submitted the nomination for the Ashfield Integrated Care team for the Awards said: 

“It is clear this team have a passion for supporting students, and for demonstrating the difference that high quality nursing care can make in a community setting.

“Students that I spoke to were clear that the team were excellent role models, demonstrated professionalism and adhered to the NMC Code of Conduct.

“A fantastic team who thoroughly deserve to be shortlisted”

Students commended the emotional and practical support they received from the team. They also spoke about finding a passion for community nursing through this placement, something they had not considered before. 

Les Shorthose, Team Lead, said:

“Providing the best possible learning experience is something really important to us. The students are very much part of our team, and we involve them with all our activities, meetings and visits.

“We think this is fantastic that students from both mental health and adult services wanted to put us forward, we are so proud about this achievement.”

The Awards will be celebrated on Friday 26 April 2024 in a glittering live ceremony.