Two Salford students receive Chief Nursing Officer Student Excellence Award

Melissa and Megan are both studying on the University’s Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme, and work for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT). 

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and Chief Midwifery Officer (CMidO) awards were developed to reward the significant and outstanding contribution made by nurses and midwives across England. The awards were opened to student nominations last year, with the first ever student award presented to Gabby Fee, another apprentice at the University of Salford, in March.

Teaching and Learning Fellow, Heidi Johnson, nominated Megan. 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 for her award. 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.”

The awards were presented to the students during a surprise ceremony in one of their lectures. On 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 and received two: the ‘Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion’, and ‘Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs’, following her development of student-led initiatives aimed at improving the learning experience for students.

The University of Salford, which is one of the largest providers of nursing and midwifery undergraduate education in the north, has seen incredible success in recent years for its Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme, which has won and been shortlisted for a number of high-profile awards. Most recently, the programme was shortlisted for the third year running at the Student Nursing Times Awards, in a category the team won last year.