Two WELS students shortlisted for the 2023 Student Nursing Times Awards

Two WELS students studying with the Schools of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care (HWSC) have been nominated at this year’s coveted Student Nursing Times Awards – across three different categories.  

Now in its eleventh year and the largest event of its kind, the awards acknowledge student achievement as well as the valuable contribution they make to the nursing profession.  

Jade Wareham, who is in her final year of study on the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship while also working for Isle of Wight NHS Trust, is up for two awards: Student Innovation in Practice, and the Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion. 

The nominations follow Jade’s work on the Sharing Student Healthcare Initiative for Neurodiversity and Equality (SSHINE). Having been diagnosed with dyslexia at the beginning of her studies, Jade started the initiative to help support others with neurodiversity. She said of the news: 

“I was initially overwhelmed when I learned I was nominated for two categories. I am deeply humbled and proud that neurodiversity is being recognised within healthcare. This is a great opportunity to highlight the prevalence of neurodiversity too. I am really looking forward to showcasing why more recognition is needed.” 

Elsewhere, Karen Donnelly – also in her final year, and on the Future Nurse degree programme – is nominated for Student Nurse of the Year in the Learning Disabilities category. Karen shared her surprise on Twitter, saying she was “in shock”, then later told us: 

“I am passionate about learning disability nursing and everything it stands for. I am a massive advocate for social inclusion, breaking down barriers to accessing services and reducing health inequalities within the learning disability community.  

“I am very proud to be an OU student, especially as I will be one of the first learning disability nursing students to qualify in Northern Ireland with this degree.”  

Karen’s pride is shared by Dr Rebecca Garcia, Associate Head of School for Nursing and Health Professions, who said of Karen and Jade’s recognition: 

“I am immensely proud of our two OU students who have been shortlisted. This is testimony to their outstanding passion and dedication to nursing. We all wish them the very best of luck in the next round of judging.” 

The 2023 Student Nursing Times Awards are set to take place on Friday 28 April at London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel. 

Read the shortlist in full.