Essex nursing student wins coveted national nursing award

A mental health nursing student at Essex has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to student affairs at the coveted Student Nursing Times Awards.

Sunny Atkinson has won the Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs prize during the annual awards ceremony in London.

Judges said Sunny had demonstrated extraordinary impact and commitment to student affairs.

They added: “Sunny’s outstanding contributions have a huge national impact and will continue to influence a large number of students in the future.”

Sunny, who is in her final year of her mental health nursing degree, advocates for improved student experiences and is working hard to raise awareness about dental wellness in mental health settings.

She worked as student editor for The Nursing Times last year and has written for the publication on a number of occasions, sharing her experiences and what she has learned as a student nurse.

Sunny said: “Overall, winning the award is a deeply gratifying experience that motivates me to continue making meaningful contributions to the nursing field and the well-being of those under my care. “I will continue to encourage students to have a voice.”

She added: “Thomas Currid encouraged me to have a voice and has gone the extra mile to support me on this journey.

“Other people who deserve a special mention for helping me are Sarah Richarson, Raihana Mohammed, Sally Barbrook, and Sofia Carbonara. They were here from the beginning and supported me through my highs and lows.”

Celebrating its 13th year, the Student Nursing Times Awards brought together near 800 talented student nurses, education providers, and mentors.

The Student Nursing Times Awards celebrates the very best in nurse education, recognises and rewards brilliant educational establishments and honours those who are committed to developing new nursing talent as mentors, lecturers and providers of placements.

The awards also pay tribute to students who have demonstrated the academic achievement, clinical prowess and personal qualities that will make them exceptional nurses.