Nursing staff who play an integral role in supporting student nurses have been recognised at a special awards ceremony.

Close to 70 registered nurses were nominated for special recognition for their roles as supervisors and assessors to University of Stirling nursing students, with 40 coming together to celebrate at an event held in Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

Student nurses engage in a range of placements throughout their studies to gain practical experience in clinical environments across NHS Forth Valley and other local health boards.

Amanda Thoms nominated her supervisor Jane Woods, a staff nurse at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, who she credits with transforming her learning experience. Amanda, who graduated in November and now works as an Intensive Care staff nurse, said: “Jane fully took me under her wing. She understood my struggles as a single mum who was balancing a job, my studies and family life with my placement, and went above and beyond to support my learning – encouraging me to get stuck in with practical tasks.

“Supervisors and assessors are so important to the whole experience, and I want to be the person Jane was for me, if I ever have the opportunity to support a student.”

Strathcarron Hospice staff nurse Lynne Freeburn was also recognised at the event after being nominated by her student, Lucy McLaren.

Lucy, now a Community Nurse based in Buchlyvie, said: “Lynne really inspired me when I worked with her on my placement.  Her patient care was the best I have ever seen and she always knew how to handle any situation. She was so supportive and caring and always encouraged me to take every opportunity I could to learn.

“I think it is important to recognise NHS staff members who support students because they build our confidence and help us grow as nurses. I left my placement at Strathcarron Hospice feeling so much more confident and passionate about my job than ever before and Lynne played a huge role in this. On top of the everyday pressures and responsibilities of being a palliative care nurse, Lynne was also a fantastic teacher who supported me and pushed me out of my comfort zone to help me become the nurse I am today.

“I hope that some day I’ll have as much knowledge and can be an inspiration to others like Lynne.”

Sharon Faulds, Lecturer in Nursing at the University of Stirling, said: “This awards event is particularly meaningful as it highlights the essential role that practice supervisors and assessors play in supporting our student nurses during their placements.

“The nominations are really heartwarming and we’re proud to be able to honour the hard work that the practice supervisors and assessors play in teaching the next generation of nurses.”

Professor Frances Dodd, Executive Nurse Director, NHS Forth Valley, said: “This event provides an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the important role local nursing staff across NHS Forth Valley play in supporting and mentoring nursing students during their university education and practice placements.

“It’s great to see so many local staff being recognised by former students and hearing first hand what a difference their support has made as they embark on their new nursing careers.”