Trust student nurse shortlisted for 3 national awards

A student nurse from Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has spoken of her pride after being shortlisted for 3 national awards.

Jenita Loheswaran is currently in her 3^rd year studying a BSc in Nursing at the University of Plymouth’s Truro campus. She is working as a registered nursing associate for the Trust.

Jenita also has a Biomedical Sciences degree from the University of Plymouth and studied as a degree apprentice for her Nursing Associate qualification.

The Student Nursing Times Awards take place in London on Friday 26 April. The awards bring together the nursing and midwifery community to shine a light on the brightest talent making their way into the profession.

Jenita has been shortlisted in 3 categories. They are Student Nurse of the Year (Adult); Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs; and the Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion.

She says: “It’s an absolute privilege and an honour to be shortlisted for 3 of the awards. It actually started 2 years ago when I first heard about the awards. I was nominated in the category of trainee nursing associate student of the year by a colleague, which was really lovely.

“Some of my lecturers suggested I apply myself this year. I did not have much confidence in myself, so just gave it a go thinking nothing of it. Then I got 3 emails through, and I could not quite believe it. To be able to go to the finals in London next month will be amazing.”

Judging began earlier this month, and involved interviews with all nominees in London.

Jenita adds: “It’s very exciting. I’ve been lucky enough to be shortlisted in 3 categories. 1 of the categories is the Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion, which is incredible.

“Another award I’ve been nominated for is Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs and the final award I have been nominated for is Adult Student Nurse of the Year. 3 amazing categories to be nominated in and cannot quite believe it.”

Jenita is clearly passionate about her chosen profession. But what is it that really drives her?

She reveals: “It sounds a bit cliché but really making a difference and helping patients. I think being on both sides of it I really see the differences that healthcare professionals make.

“I’m really passionate about promoting inclusion and diversity within healthcare, especially down here in the south west.

“I’ve got a huge passion about widening participation as well. Coming from very humble beginnings myself I feel it’s really important to encourage students of the future to make their way into healthcare. I’d love to support healthcare students of the future.”

Jenita admits that 1 day she would like to return to the classroom and pass on her knowledge to student nurses of the future.

She says: “This is my 3^rd degree with the University of Plymouth so I’m ready to take a little bit of a break now! I think I will be a nurse for a little bit because I have worked long and hard to get here. I’ll be a nurse for a few years but eventually I’d like to come full circle and become a lecturer, so fingers crossed that happens.”