- Student nurse, Harnaik Singh Khun-Khun, has been nominated for a national nursing award for his academic and clinical achievements, and work as a role model for his patients, peers and prospective nursing students.
- The University’s nursing team has also been shortlisted for an education provider award in recognition of the holistic support they offer to students.
- The award ceremony takes place on Friday 26th April 2024 and celebrates the brightest talent making their way into nursing, and the organisations who support them throughout their training.
Harnaik Singh Khun-Khun is an undergraduate adult nursing student at the University of Sheffield. He has been shortlisted for the Student Nursing Times 2024 ‘Student Nurse of the Year: Adult’ award, in recognition of his excellent academic record, voluntary work, and his commitment to promoting and furthering the nursing profession.
Harnaik Singh Khun-Khun, finalist of the award from the University of Sheffield’s School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery, said: “The University of Sheffield has helped me to recognise that you can be both a compassionate and a clinically competent nurse; you don’t have to compromise and there isn’t a trade off to be made. I’m really proud to say I came to Sheffield and that I did this course. I’m also incredibly humbled to have been recognised by the Student Nursing Times Awards for my contribution to the profession. Nurses should champion and advocate for people, and this is something I’ve tried to do throughout my training - for my peers, and crucially for my patients and their families too.
“Being a male student has been tough at times. It's difficult not seeing people like yourself. But my university has been incredibly supportive and I have never felt different or as if I couldn't do the job.
Only 11% of registrants are male, fewer still from a Sikh background. Having this platform is an honour and a unique privilege and I hope I can be a role model to aspiring nurses, particularly those who don’t fit the idea of what a nurse is ‘supposed’ to look like.
Harnaik Singh Khun-Khun
BMedSci Nursing (Adult)
Sally Snowden, University Lecturer in the University’s School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery, was Harnaik’s personal tutor in his second year, and supported him with his nomination. She said: “Harnaik is an exceptional final-year nursing student who embodies the qualities of a compassionate, competent, and dedicated nurse. His open-mindedness and commitment to learning from others is a strength that will allow him to grow and develop as a nurse. He is a valuable asset to the nursing profession and I am confident that he will continue to make significant contributions to the healthcare field.”
The University’s nursing team have also been shortlisted for a Student Nursing Times Award 2024 this time in the Nurse Education Provider of the Year (pre-registration) category. The team was nominated by second year nursing student Katy Miller, in recognition of the outstanding support the team offers to her, and other students. This includes inclusive timetables that help students with children plan their parental responsibilities, weekly well-being sessions, and responsive support during placements.
Katy Miller, BMedSci adult nursing student, said: “I really wouldn’t be the student I am today if it hadn’t been for the collaborative support I’ve received here at Sheffield. Nursing students aren’t just supported academically, they are supported socially, emotionally and financially too. We are provided with content and activities that have put us ahead of any other student I have come across in our district, and this is noticed by registered professionals when on placement.
"This level of incredible support deserves recognition! I knew from the time I applied to the University of Sheffield that it would be fantastic but to experience the support itself and personally excel in my journey is incredible. Putting the nursing department forward for this award Is my way of showing my gratitude, but it’s also very well deserved.”
The award ceremony will take place on Friday 26 April 2024, and will celebrate the best and brightest student nurses, as well as the standout organisations who nurture their development.
Lizzie Ollivant, Programme Lead for the Adult Nursing BMedSci from the University of Sheffield’s School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery, said: “The BMedSci adult nursing team feel both honoured and proud to be shortlisted for the Nursing Times Award as "Education Provider of the Year" in recognition of our support for students and student wellbeing. Our dedication to student support has centred on individualised tutoring, the introduction of "Wellbeing Wednesdays," and the incorporation of student-led projects addressing bereavement and team building activities. These initiatives are enriching students' learning experiences and cultivating a positive influence on their educational journey, confidence, and wellbeing.
“We also want to extend our congratulations to Harnaik for his nomination in the “Student Nurse of the Year” category. From guiding and supporting his peers as a student representative, to incorporating the latest advancements in healthcare into his clinical practice, he truly embodies the qualities that this award celebrates.”
