Coventry University student wins national nursing award
Wednesday 10 May 2023
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A nursing student at Coventry University who has juggled being a mum, a learner and volunteering in Africa has won a national award.
Jessica Vaughan was “in shock” when her name was read out as the winner of the Nursing Times Student of the Year award for adult nursing at a glitzy event at London’s Grosvenor Hotel on Park Lane.
It was the result of nearly three years of hard work and selfless volunteering, as well as being a mum to her little girl, that led to the proud moment. Jess, 31, has combined learning her trade at Coventry University with placements at hospitals across the city and Warwickshire, and even spending a week at a hospital in Kenya.
I didn’t think I would win – I really didn’t expect it. I was honoured to be a finalist which itself is an achievement. I was in shock and didn’t even want to go on to the stage!
It was so nice to be in a room with so many inspiring nurses and I then had an interview for a job the next day, so it was a whirlwind two days.
Jessica Vaughan
Jess continued her rich vein of fine form as she aced the interview and now has a job at George Eliot Hospital’s A&E department in Nuneaton awaiting her when she finishes her degree.
And her biggest fan, six-year-old daughter Aurora, has ensured the celebrations have continued since the awards.
Pictured above is one of the posters made for Jessica by her proud six-year-old daughter Aurora.
She was so happy for me and made posters which say ‘best nurse ever’ and she has been carrying the trophy around. I was a bit worried about how I would manage the course (as a mum), but I have managed it.
Jess’ volunteering work took her to Kenya for a week which she admits was 'harder than I thought' and saw her spending some time in a slum in the African country.
It was quite eye-opening as it was a hospital for poorer people, but they still had to pay for the care.
I want to do some more humanitarian work when my daughter is older. It's a really good learning experience.
Jessica Vaughan
Jess’ volunteering work took her to Kenya for a week which she admits was 'harder than I thought' and saw her spending some time in a slum in the African country.
It was quite eye-opening as it was a hospital for poorer people, but they still had to pay for the care.
I want to do some more humanitarian work when my daughter is older and is a really good learning experience.
Jess was joined at the glittering ceremony by fellow final year student Olivia Aston who was a finalist in the Student Nurse of the Year - Children category. The 22-year-old Cov girl, known as Liv, was put forward for the award by her lecturers not only for her academic skills, but also for her efforts in raising £3,500 for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.
She swapped her nursing uniform for dresses and dancing shoes as she took part in a Strictly Come Dancing-style fundraiser for the baby hospice that offers help for children aged up to five with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families.
Liv’s dream to become a nurse began through Clearing in 2019 when she signed up for an Applied Biosciences Foundation year course at CU Coventry. That one-year course supported her application to secure a place on the Children and Young People’s Nursing BSc (Hons) course at Coventry University in September 2020.
And while Liv did not take home the prize at the awards, it did not lessen the experience for her or stifle her deep-rooted desire to be a nurse.
I was very proud and overwhelmed. It felt nice to be appreciated for the hard work that you do.
I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes about 13 years ago and the nurses that looked after me really did inspire me. My nan was also a nurse so she has always been an inspiration.
I always wanted to do nursing and I did work experience with my nan at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and the children just light up your day. [Our job] is about making their hospital experience as wonderful as possible and about rainbows as much as you can.
Olivia Aston
Find out more on Coventry University Group’s nursing courses here.
