Learner of the Year Post-Registration
Natasha Carr Birmingham City University
I am a midwife passionate about CPD and study to ensure acquisition of new knowledge for gaps in the literature and practice. Taking on the demanding journey of a PhD, alongside a busy home and work life I have delved deeply into the experience of midwives who have made errors in practice. It has been a transformative journey fostering personal growth. I have developed resilience, perseverance, and adaptability. I have tried to a driver of positive change, making impactful contributions to society through my research and expertise, knowledge and insights generated by doctoral research, leading to significant new midwifery knowledge.
Hannah Dewhurst University of Salford
Hannah’s Dissertation "A systematised review on the safety and efficacy of sildenafil treatment for premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia associated with pulmonary hypertension" assessed sildenafil’s role in treating BPD-PH, achieving the highest dissertation mark in her cohort and exemplifies advanced practice values. Her work demonstrated an outstanding level of critical appraisal, evidence-based practice, and leadership. Hannah has demonstrated maturity, dedication, and commitment to her professional development throughout her 1-year MSc Advanced Practice Neonates programme, combining clinical and academic learning. Hannah is organised, motivated, and a natural leader with a gentle, supportive approach, earning respect from peers and clinical team.
Natalie Griffin Northern Care Alliance
Natalie, an Advanced Clinical Practitioner student at the University of Salford, is an excellence example of , leadership, and nursing. She has demonstrated commitment in her Level 7 modules and applied her learning to practice. Natalie co-led the innovative "COPD, My Heart and Me" project, addressing gaps in care for COPD patients at risk of acute cardiac events, which showcases her ability to integrate evidence-based strategies and lead impactful initiatives. Her dedication to advancing patient care, fostering professional growth, and driving innovation in community healthcare makes her a deserving candidate for Postgraduate Student.
Chloe Jackson NHS Grampian
Chloe Jackson, a registered nurse for +1 year, works as a Band 5 Anaesthetic nurse at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in NHS Grampian. Passionate about learning, she has excelled in various training programs, including Anaesthetic Nurse competencies and Periop 101, while maintaining her mandatory training. Drawing from her neurodivergent experiences, including ADHD and Autism, Chloe advocates for neurodivergent individuals through her network, SUNNO & Co. She passionately teaches and mentors others, aiming to combat stigma and promote understanding. Currently aspiring to pursue a PhD and a learning rep role with the Royal College of Nursing, Chloe remains committed to nursing.
Cindy Ann John McBurnie Brunel University London
Cindy-Ann was an outstanding student Health Visitor who made excellent contributions in practice and in university consistently throughout the course. She carried out an excellent health needs assessment and then planned, delivered and evaluated a follow-up intervention targeted at children at high risk of dental decay. She completed extensive additional research and training to develop a high level of competence in Health Visiting. She is now making an excellent contribution in practice as a Health Visitor and her professionalism, compassion and proactive approach have been commended by colleagues.
Heidi Johnson University of Salford
Heidi has had an incredible year, achieving a first-class honours degree in Integrated Health and Social Care while balancing her full-time role and A&E practice. Her studies have transformed her confidence, inspiring apprentices and shaping her innovative work. Heidi improved the Break in Learning process, reducing attrition rates and supporting returning apprentices with care and precision. She’s also been instrumental in leading system transitions, championing EDI, and bringing fresh insights into her coaching. Heidi’s passion, resilience, and dedication make her a true role model for lifelong learning.
Jamit Kaur Lally Leeds Beckett University
Jamit's passion for her new role, her approach to learning and advancing her professional development was a great example of how post-registration learners can harness the synergy between a Practice Assessor and a student. Acknowledging each other's role in the learning journey, Jamit showed excellent collaboration in practice, recognising the strengths of the team around her and how she would learn from them. In her feedback, her Practice Assessor championed the independent contribution that Jamit made in her practice placement. The result was an accomplished practitioner who developed and then embedded leadership and innovation in her specialist practice.
Sarah Morton Bournemouth University
Sarah came back as a learner and is currently in her final year of a PhD which began when she was asked by her manager if she had any research ideas. In response a pathway opened up at her local university which meant when the large scale vaccination centre closed (Bournemouth International Conference Centre) Sarah progressed to commencing her PhD research project looking at the lived experience of nurses and midwives who came back to practice delivering Covid 19 vaccinations. With data now gathered and analysed the PhD thesis is now being completed. Sarah`s motto is "never say never!".
Juan Carlos Quijano-Campos Queen Mary University London
Throughout my nursing career I have aimed to develop clinical and research skills in parallel. Additionally, I have been fortunate to link, collaborate and work on some inspiring nurse-led studies, aimed at improving patient care and outcomes. This has stimulated my ambition to become clinical academic and the first ACP nurse in cardiac sarcoidosis(CS). As evidence to my commitment toward this clinical academic plan, I was awarded with a HEE/NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship (Jun2021-Nov2024) and the Investigator Award (Nursing&Allied Professionals) at the 2024 Congress by European Cardiology Society (ESC) for my PhD work.
Kimberley Rochelle-Davis Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
Kimberley is an outstanding Practice Education Facilitator who excels in applying her learning to improve education and support for early-career nurses, midwives, and AHPs. With a PGCert in Education and qualifications in coaching and leadership, she has led impactful initiatives like a joint Preceptorship programme and an accredited Beyond Preceptorship programme across two organisations. Kimberley’s ability to translate theory into practice, mentor colleagues, and foster collaborative learning environments has had a significant positive impact on workforce education, making her a deserving candidate for the Learner of the Year – Post-Registration award.
Holly Sharron Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
Holly is a practice development nurse within a busy children's community nursing and hospital at home team. She has recently completed the Specialist Practitioner Qualification with independent prescribing and is developing and leading on a project that she first envisioned during her studies. Holly has researched, designed and achieved funding for SIM education for the team. She is a trail blazer as no other community nursing teams are currently using this method of teaching and education to support staff learning and development. Holly's future is looking bright.