Student Nurse shortlisted for national award

A student nurse based at the John Radcliffe Hospital is in contention for a national award recognising the pioneering work of the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Kate Heslop, who studies at the Oxford Brookes University-based Oxford School of Nursing and Midwifery - a partnership between Oxford Brookes University, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford Health and the Oxford Academic Health Sciences Centre - has been shortlisted for Children's Nurse of the Year at the Student Nursing Times Awards.

This year has once more seen a record-breaking number of entries, as the Nursing Times seeks to fulfil its mission to 'shine a light on the brightest talent making their way into the profession'.

Kate Heslop, who is also an Army Reservist, has been studying at the Oxford School of Nursing and Midwifery since 2016. She is one of eight students nominated in her category.

She has always been drawn to nursing, but for a long time she found herself torn between a career in healthcare or a career in teaching. It was only when she enrolled in a course in Childhood Studies and Health that she realised she wouldn't be happy unless she was helping people in a clinical setting. Thus, to combine her passion for medicine and working with young people, she enrolled on a Masters in Children's Nursing at Oxford Brookes.

Speaking of her shortlisting, Kate said: "I am humbled to have been shortlisted for this award.

"I have spent the last five years working towards where I am today.  An undergraduate degree and then two years working in a boarding school prepared me academically and financially for the Masters in Children's Nursing, but the past three years have been the most challenging, empowering and rewarding.

"I am incredibly grateful for the academic help and pastoral support which the Nursing team at Oxford Brookes has given me. At Oxford Children's Hospital I have had fantastic mentors who have educated, supported and developed my clinical knowledge and skills, enabling me to provide family-centred and high-quality patient care of which I am extremely proud. I am passionate about being the best advocate for my patients and their families."

Kate was nominated by her lecturers, who were impressed by her commitment and dedication, while also maintaining a diverse lifestyle and overcoming adversity.

As well as her studies, Kate is the Unit Medic at the Oxford Universities Officer Training Corps, having joined the British Army Reserves in 2012. Her commitment to providing medical care is evident here too, as she is responsible for the safety, welfare and training of up to 150 Officer Cadets and staff. She's found this experience training for high pressure emergency situations to be the perfect complement to her studies.

The Oxford School of Nursing and Midwifery was launched in 2017 and works collaboratively to help students and registered professionals excel at every step of their journey in healthcare. The School combines education at Oxford Brookes University and clinical practice at Oxford's two NHS trusts, alongside top tier research.

Mary Malone, Director of the Oxford School of Nursing and Midwifery, added: "Kate Heslop is an excellent student nurse with a strong and proven commitment to her children's nursing course whilst also balancing volunteering as an Army Reservist. We, in the Oxford School of Nursing and Midwifery, are extremely proud of the image Kate portrays of children's nurses and their role inside and outside of the NHS."

The winners of the Student Nursing Times Awards 2019 will be announced on Friday 26 April 2019 at Grosvenor House, London.

Further information on the Oxford School of Nursing and Midwifery and courses offered can be found at the link below.

Oxford School of Nursing and Midwifery - www.brookes.ac.uk/osnm