Tim Walsh, Student Nursing Times Student Nurse of the Year Winner
The Student Nursing Times Awards 2023 celebrate the very best in Nursing and Midwifery education by recognising and rewarding brilliant students and educational establishments. Tim Walsh discusses winning Student Nurse of the Year - Children.
What does winning mean to you?
The award means that my hard work and determination to be the best Child Nurse has been recognised, but it also means that the patients and families I have cared for have received recognition too. I felt extremely proud and excited to have been nominated by LSBU, alongside my host trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital.
What led to your nomination?
I was nominated for being involved with the Council of Deans Student Leadership Programme, where I have been supported to develop an Undergraduate Palliative & End of Life Care teaching programme within Great Ormond Street Hospital. Alongside this, I have been the Student Rep for my cohort, been involved with Health Education England's Student Nursing & Midwifery Council and was the Student Rep for Health Education England's Quality Committee.
Why did you decide to start your journey to becoming a nurse?
I am a mature student that came into Children's Nursing following a career within Education. I had also previously worked within the NHS as a Medical Laboratory Assistant but wanted to return to working with Children & Young People again. This prompted me to combine my skills and become and Child Nurse.
What would you like to do in your future career as a nurse?
I have currently received a job offer to be a Newly Qualified Nurse within CAMHS & A+E. In the future I would like to develop my nursing skills back into Education, as well as use my career to travel and work abroad.
What advice do you have for others thinking about becoming a Children's Nurse?
My advice would be to make sure you have a passion for working with children & Young People. Be prepared for a really challenging three years but enjoy every aspect! It's a fantastic career with lots of pathways. You will be extremely excited to qualify!
Why would you recommend your course at LSBU to others?
I would recommend my course within LSBU because it works alongside some incredibly big London Hospital Trusts that exposes you to so many different opportunities. They are very supportive of you taking on extra-curricular activities and have a brilliant lecturing team within the division of Childrens Nursing. The University also offers guest lectures from across its departments to supplement your learning.