Joseph honoured during his nursing studies

Joseph Morley earned national recognition while still completing his nursing studies at Teesside University.

Joseph, who is graduating from the BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Adult), won the Student Nursing Innovation in Practice Award at the annual Student Nursing Times Awards, which honour the best of the next generation of nurses.

Now working in Manchester, in the emergency department of the Greater Manchester Major Trauma Hospital, Joseph combined his degree studies with a part-time role as a health care assistant in the neuro theatres at James Cook University Hospital.

Joseph, 27, from Middlesbrough, said: “I chose this degree as I wanted to take the foundation of knowledge I had built while working in the NHS for four years before starting my studies.

“Adult nursing felt like the right step for me, and completing the degree enabled me to gain essential knowledge and skills.

“During the course I really enjoyed the simulations and skills lessons, which offered the perfect opportunity to gain experience of with equipment before putting it into practice.”

Joseph added: “I absolutely loved the placements during the degree, especially time spent on placement in A&E, which was a fast-paced environment with a variety of patients and conditions.

"I was nominated for the Student Nursing Times award by a theatre matron for a care plan service improvement which I led. The care plan was for a theatre procedure list for chronic pain patients which has since improved theatre efficiency. I was shocked to even be shortlisted and overjoyed to win.

“I am so grateful for the experience and opportunities provided during my degree. I would eventually love to specialise into a role involving neuro or trauma in a specialist nurse role.”

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