Three nursing associates awarded prestigious national award

The Chief Nursing Officer Student Excellence Awards celebrate the exceptional contributions that student nurses, midwives and nursing associates make while still in training.

In a surprise presentation hosted at the University’s East Park Terrace campus, the trio of Foundation Degree nursing associates were recognised for the outstanding impact they have made on patients, colleagues and healthcare services during their studies.

The unsuspecting students were presented with their awards as part of the annual end-of-course Badge Ceremony for students completing the Foundation Degree Nursing Associate programme.

In front of their peers, NHS partners and School of Health & Sport staff, the three nursing associates were presented with a special Outstanding Care Award pin and certificate by Professor Liz Fenton OBE, Director of Nurse and Midwifery Education, NHS England, on behalf of the Chief Nursing Officer for England, Duncan Burton, whose video message at the event, inspired all present.

Chief Nursing Officer for England Duncan Burton said:

“My huge congratulations to Charlotte, Angela and Sara on this well-deserved recognition. Through their compassion, innovation and commitment to improving care, they have demonstrated the very best of nursing associate practice and have already made a real difference to the people and communities they support, as well as their colleagues. I would also like to congratulate all the newly qualified nursing associates who join Charlotte, Angela and Sara in completing their training. Thank you for choosing to be part of our nursing profession, and I wish you every success as you take the next step in your careers.”

Charlotte Johnson received the Chief Nursing Officer Student Excellence Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution in recognition of her dedication to improving patient care and supporting her fellow students.

Alongside her role as student representative for her cohort, Charlotte led an innovative quality improvement project focused on continence care in a nursing home setting.

Recognising that continence care can have a significant impact on residents' dignity, comfort and quality of life, she worked with a local continence supplier to evaluate the effectiveness of different products. She then carried out an audit to examine whether products were being used to their full absorbency and identified opportunities to improve practice.

Charlotte then developed and delivered a staff training programme on product selection and use, helping carers make informed decisions and encouraging conversations with prescribers where products were not fully meeting residents' needs.

Following the project's success, her employer is exploring opportunities to introduce the training across additional care homes within the organisation.

As student representative, Charlotte has supported fellow students and provided constructive feedback to academic teams that has helped shape improvements to the course and student experience.

Sara Leigh was recognised for excellence and innovation in patient care after developing a practical solution to improve repositioning for patients at risk of pressure damage.

While working as an apprentice nursing associate on a busy geriatric acute inpatient ward, she noticed that communication around patients requiring regular repositioning was not always consistent in a fast-paced clinical environment.

To address this, she designed a simple visual indicator that can be displayed at a patient's bedside or on a ward whiteboard. The symbol alerts staff that a patient requires support to reposition, helping ensure that essential care is delivered consistently.

After 86.6 per cent of staff reported an improved ability to identify patients requiring repositioning, plans are now being considered to further develop the system and explore wider implementation.

Angela Coates received recognition for her commitment to dignity, respect and high standards of patient care. During a clinical placement, she demonstrated the professionalism, confidence and compassion expected of a future healthcare professional, actively advocating for patients and helping to uphold the highest standards of care. Her actions reflected the NHS values of commitment to quality of care, respect and dignity.

Angela's work with homeless outreach and criminal justice services was also recognised for addressing health inequalities and supporting some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

Professor Beverly Joshua, Dean of the School of Health and Sport at Solent University, said:

“We are incredibly proud of these students and their achievements. To have three Southampton Solent University nursing associates, hosted by three different Trust providers across Hampshire, recognised as recipients of the nationally acclaimed Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Student Excellence Awards, is an exceptional achievement and a tremendous source of pride for the University and our healthcare partners.

“These awards recognise the compassion, professionalism and commitment these nursing associates demonstrate in delivering outstanding patient care, as well as the positive impact they are already making to patients, colleagues and healthcare services. Their success reflects the strength of nursing education at Solent, the value of our partnerships with healthcare providers, and the important contribution our graduates make to the nursing workforce and the wider community.”