Innovative nursing project shortlisted for award

The National Junior Leadership Academy is led by Professor Laura Serrant from the University of Wolverhampton, and Stacy Johnson and Dr Aru Narayanasamy, University of Nottingham.

It aims to identify potential nursing leaders in the early stages of their career journey and develop their knowledge, attitude and skills through mentoring and internships.

The initiative has been shortlisted for Teaching Innovation of the Year in the Student Nursing Times Awards 2014.

More than 100 students applied for the Academy and 25 were chosen to take part in a year-long pilot scheme, which included mentoring, internships and project work. They also secured a placement with a mentor who is an existing senior leader.

Professor Serrant and Stacy Johnson applied for funding from the Higher Education Academy for the scheme after researching the need for diverse leaders in the NHS.

She said: “We thought leadership needed to be identified early and nurtured. Student nurses who show aptitude and go the extra mile have the potential to be the leaders of the future and the Academy supports their career journey.

“We are very pleased with the positive impact of the initiative and the great feedback we have received.”

Following the success of the Academy pilot, Professor Serrant is now looking at securing funding for it to be extended in the future.

The award winners will be announced on May 1.

ENDS

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