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National recognition for educators James and Alex
Two members of the clinical education team at the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust have been shortlisted in the Student Nursing Times Awards, which celebrate the next generation of nurses and their educators.
James Metcalf has been shortlisted as Practice Supervisor of the Year; and Alex Levitt-Powell as Learner of the Year: post-registration.
Diane Last, head of clinical education said: “Supporting and developing our staff is a priority for the Trust – we have outstanding people working with us and it is so important to ensure they can fulfil their potential and all that means for the quality and safety of our patients’ care and experience. We are very proud that James and Alex have been shortlisted for these prestigious awards from so many nominations from Trusts around the country, an accolade they both richly deserve.”
James works in the cardiology unit and among other roles manages the trans-oesophageal echocardiogram lists, and is active in a number of multi-disciplinary teams.
The nomination for James said: “He strives for exceptional quality in all aspects of his practice and recognises that supporting students to be the best that they can be is key to maintaining this for the future. Students experience many challenges on their road to registration. Applying knowledge and skill in an effective and holistic way can feel an overwhelming goal.
“Having a supervisor who keeps patients at the heart of their practice is essential for this to be achieved. Having a supervisor who is an effective role model brings clarity for the student and helps them to see who they can be as a nurse. James demonstrates this every day in his practice, he is an expert in his field and is kind, approachable, responsive and talented.”
Alex is a clinical practice facilitator who came from a community environment and had previously worked with a number of students as a mentor, assessor and supervisor. His nomination said: “Alex has taken to his role with enthusiasm and commitment and has provided support and reassurance to our students. He has also been completing his Masters in Healthcare Education while juggling a full-time job, supporting the education team, helping clinically in times of staffing pressures and spending time with his young family. Alex will always put himself forward for projects and has been a key person in the development of our new educational learning platform. He is an inspiration to others considering post-registration learning.”
Nursing Times editor Steve Ford said: “The Student Nursing Times Awards provide us with a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the next generation of nurses and all those individuals and organisations who support them. I look forward to announcing our award winners.”
The winners will be announced on 27 May at a ceremony in London.
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