UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 30 APRIL
A Birmingham City University (BCU) nursing student who landed two top national awards says she hopes to “empower students so they know their voice matters”.
Beth Dennis, 20, was named Student Nurse of the Year: Children and Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year at last week’s Student Nursing Times Awards in London.
“It was a massive shock to win both, and it means so much to have made an impact to student nurses, healthcare professionals and the community around me,” said Beth.
“I started volunteering in healthcare services as an expert by experience at the age of 11 years old, so it has been a big journey.
“I might not always succeed, but it is always worthwhile trying to make a difference.”
Beth, from Staffordshire, was inspired to get involved with healthcare after her brother was an inpatient at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
At the age of 16, she became part of the hospital’s youth volunteer and training groups.
“The role really opened my eyes to the world of healthcare which then inspired me to become a nurse,” said Beth.
“I am really passionate about ensuring service users are heard to help shape services as well as ensuring students are well supported, so I hope to be able to bring to my role when I’m a newly qualified nurse and further.”
Since starting her journey at BCU, Beth has created pre-placement workshops for more than 100 student nurses.
“When I began placement in the first year of university, I felt like there was no-one I could ask ‘silly’ questions of - and I found other students felt the same way,” she said.
“I recruited more student nurses to deliver student nurse-led workshops which were held in the simulation lab at university.
“We are the only ones that know what it is like to be a student nurse in today's day so our voices should help shape what we learn and how we receive support.
“I hope to empower students, so they know their voice matters.”
Beth heaped praise on Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where she did her placement.
“It has been such an incredible journey that I have learnt so much from,” she said.
“The staff are so kind, have passion for teaching and have always supported my ambitious ideas.
“I am so grateful for so many amazing opportunities and to be able to support families like mine on maybe the worse day of their lives and help to make it a little better.”