Two nursing associate apprentices at the University of Salford have been recognised with Chief Nursing Officer Student Excellence Awards for their outstanding contribution to nursing care.
Melissa and Megan, who are both studying on the University’s Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme while working for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), received the prestigious honours during a surprise ceremony held in one of their lectures.
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and Chief Midwifery Officer (CMidO) awards were created to recognise the significant contribution made by nurses and midwives across England. Student nominations were introduced last year, with the first student award presented to another University of Salford apprentice, Gabby Fee, in March.
Teaching and Learning Fellow Heidi Johnson nominated Megan for the award. She said: “Megan approaches her Student Nursing Associate role with genuine compassion, kindness, and enthusiasm. The exceptional feedback she has received from patients, families, and colleagues speaks volumes about the positive impact she has on everyone she works with. Megan exemplifies the values of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the principles of compassionate care, and fully deserves the recognition for her unwavering dedication.”
Nicole Blythe, Directorate Lead for Apprenticeships in the University’s School of Health and Society, nominated Melissa. She said: “Melissa brings a valuable international perspective to her Student Nursing Associate role and truly embodies the core values of the Nursing Associate profession.
“She is highly dedicated and compassionate, always focusing on the person at the heart of her work, regardless of their background. Her commitment to improving lives, together with her leadership, initiative, and consistent support for others, makes her an incredible inspiration to others.”
Speaking after receiving the award, Megan said: “It really was a big surprise. When I found out that I was getting the award, I just thought what a wonderful privilege it was to feel that I had made such a difference to my patients and their families or carers. I won’t forget this moment.”
Melissa said: “I was completely speechless. I genuinely thought we simply had guest speakers coming into our lecture, so it was a huge surprise when everyone walked in and began reading the nomination. As they described the work and contributions, it all started sounding very, very familiar, and I slowly realised they were talking about me, which was such an overwhelming and emotional moment.
“This was actually my sixth award this year, but you never get used to that feeling of how deeply meaningful it feels to know that the work you are doing matters and is making a difference to others. No matter how many times recognition comes, that feeling of being seen, valued and encouraged in your purpose never really loses its impact.”
Melissa was also recently nominated for three Student Nursing Times Awards, winning both the ‘Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion’ and ‘Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs’. The recognition followed her development of student-led initiatives aimed at improving the learning experience for students.
The University of Salford, one of the largest providers of nursing and midwifery undergraduate education in the north, has seen continued success with its Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme in recent years. The programme has won and been shortlisted for several high-profile awards and was recently shortlisted for the third consecutive year at the Student Nursing Times Awards in a category the team won last year.
