Chloe Hawkins, a nursing student from Hexham, has been shortlisted for the Student Nurse of the Year Award in the Learning Disabilities category of the Student Nursing Times Awards.
Chloe Hawkins, who is a third-year learning disabilities nursing student at Northumbria University, has undertaken placements in a range of wards and services across Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW).
Speaking about her nomination, Chloe says: “I can’t believe it, I really wasn’t expected to be nominated.
“Nobody goes into this field to get a pat on the back but its lovely to be appreciated and recognised.”
Nobody goes into this field to get a pat on the back but its lovely to be appreciated and recognised.
Chloe HawkinsLearning Disabilities Nursing Student, Northumbria University
Chloe was nominated by Dr Angela Ridley, the Head of Nursing at Northumbria University. Angela says she nominated Chloe for many reasons, including her passion for upholding the rights of people with learning disabilities, which is demonstrated in her academic work and clinical placements.
Angela says: “Chloe is empathetic and sympathetic to the needs of people with learning disabilities and continually strives to make a difference.
“As a student nurse Chloe constantly goes the extra mile, gives up her free time for campaigns and activities as well as promoting inclusion on social media platforms.”
Before enrolling on her university course, Chloe was a team manager for a supported living service and worked closely with the community nursing team. Chloe regularly worked with Adrian Amin, a Community Practitioner in CNTW’s Neurological and Specialist Services who has won several nursing awards himself. Adrian encouraged Chloe to apply for her nursing degree.
With a positive personality, Chloe also delivers care with compassion and empathy level, ensuring those around her feel comfortable and heard. I have no doubt Chloe will go on to be an outstanding nurse and leader.
Adrian AminCommunity Practitioner, CNTW
Adrian says: “I felt that Chloe’s social and emotional intelligence, as well as her ability to lead by example, align with the personal qualities the NHS values in its workforce.
“With a positive personality, Chloe also delivers care with compassion and empathy level, ensuring those around her feel comfortable and heard.
“I have no doubt Chloe will go on to be an outstanding nurse and leader.”
Chloe organises events and campaigns at her university linked to national awareness days, including World Downs Syndrome Day and Learning Disability Nursing Day. Chloe is also a chair of the Future Learning Disability Nurses, an informal group for learning disability nursing students to network and support one another.
Many students might worry about having less free time after graduating and getting a job, but Chloe says: “I’m looking forward to hopefully having more time to myself after I graduate and start work!”
As well as being an active member of the student community, Chloe is an ambassador for learning disability nursing in the Future NHS Network, an online community for health and social care staff, and is a member of NHS England’s CNO Learning Disability Shared Professional Decision Making Council.
Chloe has also written blog posts for the Nursing Times and the International Family Nursing Association (UK and Ireland).
Chloe, who is one of just six students to be shortlisted, will give a presentation to the Nursing Times’ judging panel in London before attending the award ceremony in April.