Open University Student Nurses Shine

In celebration of dedication, passion, and excellence in the field of nursing, two outstanding student nurses from The Open University (OU) were honoured with the prestigious Northern Ireland Practice Education Council for Nursing (NIPEC) Student Excellence Award.  The awards were presented at an event held in The Open University office in Belfast on September 26, 2023, recognising the exceptional contirbution of these students to the nursing profession.

Lucy Duke, an OU Nurse Graduate, and a Registered Mental Health Nurse in the SHSCT, was commended for her support of the medical needs of young people in clinic, home, school and community settings and doing so in a kind, caring, and patient manner.  Her nominatiors lauded her exceptional support to her colleagues in eating disorder service by working with young people who are acutely unwell/ in crisis above and beyond her daily clinical role.  Lucy has been part of service developments including Early Intervention and Crisis response and service evaluations including adapting and delivering a mental health promotion programme for young people with Intellectual Disability.

Speaking about why she wanted to become a nurse, Lucy said “I’ve always loved working with people, and I’ve always loved to be able to help people.  When the opportunity came up for me to study nursing, it was a no brainer, mental health in particular, because I’ve always been very fascinated with the mind and why people do things.  When the Opportunity came up to apply for the OU Nursing Programme, I really couldn’t say no.”

Shelley Taylor, an OU Nurse Graduate, and Registered Adult Nurse in the NHSCT, received accolades for her communication, teamwork, leadership, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and problem solving.  Her nominator said Shelley is aware of those clients/families who may need a bit more time, and she spends more time, never rushing them, or making them feel that they are holding her back.  Shelley's peers praised her commitment to patient advocacy and her ability to collaborate effectively with healthcare teams.  Shelley was integral to the development and implementation of a quality initiative in practice; supporting mums to breastfeed in public and reduce societal taboos.

Shelley explaining her nursing journey said, “I have worked for the Northern trust for the last 22 years of my life. Coming a bit late to the party of the nursing degree, but I always felt like I had more to give and more I wanted to do. So, I decided to seek out the opportunity and was able to access and become an OU nursing student. Prior to completing my degree, I was a child health assistant under the skilled nursing and health visiting public health nursing team. I am now a staff nurse in the Acute Medicine Ward within the Northern Trust.”

The NIPEC Student Excellence Award is a testament to the exceptional talent fostered by The Open University's Nursing Programme. This recognition not only celebrates Lucy and Shelley’s achievements but also highlights the high standards of education and practice upheld by the university. Three other Nursing students were highly commended for their achievements; Aiobhin McElroy, Gemma Harper, and Carol Walmsley, with 11 students of a high standard nominated in total across all five of the Health and Social Care Trusts.

Donna Gallagher, Nation Manager of the Nursing Programme at The Open University in Ireland, expressed her pride in the students and the institution's commitment to producing top-tier nursing professionals. She noted, "Lucy and Shelley exemplify the dedication, compassion, and innovation that our nursing program strives to instil in all our students. Their success reflects the outstanding quality of our nursing education and the strong partnerships we have established with healthcare providers in Northern Ireland."

Lucy and Shelley were presented with their awards by Cathy McCusker, Senior Professional Officer in NIPEC, who praised their dedication to the nursing profession and encourage them to continue their journey of excellence.

The NIPEC Student Excellence Award is not only a recognition of the students' achievements but also a source of inspiration for current and future nursing students at The Open University. It serves as a reminder of the vital role nurses play in the healthcare system and the importance of nurturing the next generation of compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals.