Herts Student Shortlisted For National Nursing Award

A resident from Abbots Langley has been shortlisted for a national nursing award.

University of Hertfordshire student, Maria Walker of Hazelwood Lane, has been shortlisted for the Nursing Times Student Nurse of the Year Award for Learning Disabilities nursing.

The 45-year-old was nominated by the university, and is just one of eight nurses on the national shortlist. Maria is dedicated student and has an unshakable appetite for learning. She has been committed to her role as a caremaker and represents the University very well in this capacity by completing placements in hospitals, speaking at conferences and publishing in her field during her time here.

“It is a real honour to have been shortlisted for this award. I have enjoyed every minute of being a Learning Disability Nursing student in Hertfordshire and it is lovely to be recognised in this way, particularly as it was my tutors who have nominated me” said Maria.

More than 400 nominations were received for the awards and Maria, of Hazelwood Lane, Abbots Langley, enjoyed the awards ceremony at the Hilton Park Lane last week where the winners were announced.

While studying for her degree, Claire completed placements in hospitals across west London in paediatric A&E, general paediatrics, paediatric haematology and infectious diseases as well as spending time in a special needs school and nursing in the community.

Paul Maloret, Principal Lecturer and the University of Hertfordshire said:

“Maria Walker in her three years as a Learning Disability Nursing student here at the University of Hertfordshire, has continually demonstrated her incredible desire to learn and be the best nurse she can possibly be. Her enthusiasm has encouraged many around her including her fellow students who have seen her as a leader amongst their group. Maria will qualify shortly with flying colours and she will have a wonderful career from which the people she’ll care for will benefit immensely.”

The University of Hertfordshire offers nursing degrees in three specialist areas: adult, child, mental health and learning disabilities, to find out more visit http://bit.ly/ILCe5T.