University of East Anglia Recognizes Outstanding Contributions in Nursing with National Shortlistings

University of East Anglia Recognizes Outstanding Contributions in Nursing with National Shortlistings

(IN BRIEF) A nursing student and two lecturers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) have been recognized in the prestigious Student Nursing Times Awards for their exceptional work in improving care for children, young people, and families. These individuals have been shortlisted in multiple categories for their dedication, innovation, and commitment to the nursing profession.

(PRESS RELEASE) NORWICH, 22-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of East Anglia (UEA) is proud to announce that a nursing student and two of its esteemed lecturers have been shortlisted for the Student Nursing Times Awards, marking national recognition for their dedication to improving care for children, young people, and families.

Gabriella Nshirahene, a final-year student in the BSc Children and Young People’s Nursing program, has been nominated for Student Nurse of the Year – Children. This recognition celebrates her passion for compassionate care, her leadership as a course representative, and her tireless work as a fundraiser. Gabriella’s dissertation, focused on addressing racial inequalities in healthcare, highlights her commitment to creating a more equitable healthcare environment.

“I am truly honored to be nominated and am thankful for the support from the Children and Young People’s team,” said Gabriella. “This is just the beginning, and I look forward to the opportunities ahead!”

Ellie-May Taylor, Course Director for Children and Young People’s Nursing at UEA, praised Gabriella, saying, “Gabriella exemplifies the values of nursing and will undoubtedly continue to impact the profession in meaningful ways.”

In addition, UEA lecturers Joe Ellis-Gage and Associate Professor Teresa Johnson have been recognized in the University Educator of the Year and Teaching Innovation of the Year categories, respectively.

Joe Ellis-Gage, who qualified as a children’s nurse in 2008, has been nominated for University Educator of the Year in recognition of his outstanding contributions to UEA’s nursing program. His leadership of the high-stakes critical incident simulation event, which immerses students in real-life emergency scenarios, has been praised for strengthening the clinical, decision-making, and leadership skills of future nurses. Joe humbly acknowledged the recognition, saying, “I’m fortunate to be part of a supportive team that helps students develop into skilled professionals, but it is their hard work that truly stands out.”

Professor Julia Hubbard commended Joe, stating, “Joe is a fantastic role model, approachable and knowledgeable, and his work has a significant positive impact on both students and staff.”

Associate Professor Teresa Johnson has been nominated for Teaching Innovation of the Year for her groundbreaking work on the ‘Escape Room Simulation the Golden Hour of Paediatric Sepsis’. This innovative teaching concept uses high-fidelity simulation to teach students critical skills in managing sepsis, with a focus on family-centered care and teamwork. Teresa, who has extensive experience in paediatric critical care, emphasized the importance of equipping students with practical, life-saving skills. “Detecting and managing sepsis in the Golden Hour is crucial, and this simulation ensures that students are well-prepared for clinical practice,” she said.

Chris Burton, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at UEA, expressed immense pride in the recognition, stating, “These nominations are a testament to the dedication, innovation, and focus on improving care that defines the values of both our School and the nursing profession.”

The Nursing Times Student Nursing Awards celebrate the next generation of nurses and their mentors, with the winners to be announced at a ceremony in London on May 2, 2025.

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SOURCE: University of East Anglia