University wins national nursing award for teaching innovation

The winning initiative, Preparing Student Nurses for the Realities of Practice: A Simulated Night Shift Approach to Public Health and Homelessness, impressed judges with its creativity, adaptability and real-world impact.

Judges praised the project, describing it as “an outstanding, innovative approach with built-in adaptability within the curriculum. Its great strength lies in the collaborative work with agencies and charities. It is impressive that it is fully embedded within the existing curriculum for all disciplines. Measurable impact will further strengthen it”.

The Student Nursing Times Awards bring together the nursing and midwifery community each year to celebrate excellence and innovation across student nursing education. They shine a spotlight on the brightest emerging talent, while also recognising the universities, lecturers, practice supervisors, trusts and organisations providing exceptional support to student nurses.

The University of Chester’s simulated night shift was introduced in 2025 as part of a four‑week simulation placement for student nurses led by Jenny Stewart, Faculty Skills and Simulation Coordinator. By incorporating a full overnight shift, the initiative adds clinical authenticity to placement rotas, allowing students to experience the unique challenges of night work within the safety of a simulated environment.

To give the night shift a clear public health focus, the University worked in collaboration with the housing and homelessness charity Shelter, helping students develop accurate insights into health inequalities and the complex healthcare needs of people experiencing homelessness. This partnership ensures students gain a deeper understanding of social determinants of health alongside essential clinical skills.

Following its success, the simulated night shift has become a permanent feature of the curriculum and is now offered to all first‑year student nurses at the University of Chester, regardless of discipline.

The award highlights the University of Chester’s continued leadership in nursing education and its commitment to preparing students to make a meaningful difference in healthcare from the very start of their careers.

Professor Angela Simpson, Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor and Executive Dean for the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Society, said: “This award is a remarkable endorsement of our commitment to innovative, inclusive and practice‑focused education. By embedding authentic experiences such as simulated night shifts into the curriculum, and by working closely with partners like Shelter, we are ensuring our student nurses graduate with the skills, confidence and compassion needed to care for diverse communities and meet the realities of modern healthcare.”

Steve Ford, Editor of Nursing Times, added: “Every year, the Student Nursing Times Awards remind us why the future of our healthcare system is in such capable hands. The level of innovation, empathy, and leadership shown by this year’s winners is nothing short of extraordinary. These individuals aren't just the nurses, midwives and nursing associates of tomorrow; they are already making a profound impact on patient care today. It is a privilege to shine a spotlight on their achievements and also the dedicated educators, universities, and placement providers who help them reach their full potential. Congratulations to all our winners.”

Caption: Left to right: Susie Welsby Associate Lecturer in Practice Education and Simulated Learning; Jenny Stewart Skills and Simulation Coordinator and Mark Hodgkiss Lecturer in Practice Education and Simulated Learning at the University of Chester.