Student Placement of the Year: Hospital
Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
Iris Ward at King George Hospital provides an exceptional learning environment for student nurses. The ward fosters a culture of professionalism, compassion, and hands-on learning, ensuring students are well-integrated into the team. Under the leadership of Sinead Skelton and supported by a dedicated team, students receive tailored teaching that enhances their clinical skills and confidence. With a focus on reflective practice and emotional support, Iris Ward offers a nurturing space for students to grow both professionally and personally. The ward’s commitment to creating a positive, empowering atmosphere makes it an outstanding placement for future nurses.
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (ICHT) sets a gold standard in student nurse placements, creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares future healthcare leaders. Hosting placements from eight universities in the past year, the Trust offers structured inductions, personalised support, and innovative coaching models that foster confidence, critical skills, and professional growth. Resilience workshops, bespoke learning plans, and inclusive team culture ensure students thrive emotionally and academically. With a focus on professionalism and patient-centred care, Imperial inspires students to excel. Their commitment to excellence and inclusivity makes ICHT a standout candidate for Student Placement of the Year.
Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
The Practice Learning and Development Team (PLDT) offers third-year learners a leadership placement combining clinical and non-clinical healthcare experiences. Learners gain exposure to diverse practice areas, supporting quality improvement and portfolio development. They receive tailored clinical opportunities to meet personal learning goals, such as placements in specialized units. The PLDT fosters leadership, mentorship, and teamworking skills, with learners participating in peer support and reflective practice. Students report excellent support, a welcoming team, and regular feedback. The team’s inclusive, innovative approach and professional practice make this a highly recommended placement .
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Leeds Teaching Hospitals offers an innovative student placement focusing on digital healthcare. The Clinical Digital Team work closely with local universities to develop the skills and confidence of nursing students to use healthcare technologies. Key aims of the practical placement include understanding clinical digital roles, improving patient care through technology, enhancing digital literacy, and providing leadership exposure. Nursing students shadow various roles, learn to interpret healthcare data, and gain hands-on experience in virtual wards. This multidisciplinary approach to the placement prepares student nurses for their future careers in digitally enabled healthcare environments.
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Phoenix ward is a Male acute inpatient unit providing care and treatment to individuals aged18-65 presenting with an acute mental health episode or crisis.The team also provides a Health Based Place of Safety HBPoS provide a safe place forpeople to be cared for while they are assessed by a psychiatrist and an approved mentalhealth professional (AMHP). Police officers can take someone to an HBPoS once detainedunder section 135/136 of the mental health act if they believe the person is mentallydisordered and may be a danger to themselves or others
Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
The Royal United Hospitals NHS Foundation Bath has implemented several initiatives to support learners and ensure they feel valued and equipped for their roles. These include a comprehensive Student Nurse Guidebook, a robust induction program, and quality improvement activities. Flexibility is provided for students facing transportation challenges, and weekly Student Network Meetings offer peer support and learning opportunities. The Practice Assessors and Supervisors Quick Guide supports educators and includes specific provisions for neurodiversity learners. These efforts aim to create a conducive learning environment and prepare students to become competent practitioners.
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
The nurture group concept coined as a response to the change from the traditional mentoring to that of practise supervisors and assessors. The nurture group encapsulates our critical care units (Southport ITU) dedication in investing time and support for both students and staff in ensuring they are supported throughout. It paves a foundational key to innovation and success.
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
The Royal Marsden Hospital is renowned for its excellence in oncology care and education, offering specialized student nursing placements. It provides tailored inductions, emotional support, and mentorship to prepare students for the challenges of oncology nursing. Students gain hands-on experience through oncology-specific placements, with opportunities for collaborative learning via forums and targeted teaching sessions. The hospital prioritizes student wellbeing with Professional Nurse Advocates and promotes career development through an annual Oncology Student Nurse Conference. Working with King’s University, it teaches cancer care modules and supports students with flexible rotas, outreach opportunities, and clinical nurse specialists, ensuring a well-rounded education.
University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
The University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) has developed an inclusive, innovative approach to supporting nursing students with additional and complex needs to thrive in clinical placements. Through collaboration with university partners, clinical staff, and external experts, UCLH ensures personalised, accessible support to help students succeed. Initiatives like the "About Me Passport" foster transparency and empower students to share their needs, promoting a safe and supportive learning environment. This approach not only helps students complete their training but also drives a cultural shift in placement areas and across teams, enhancing patient care and creating a more compassionate workforce.
University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Hospital Trust
The Learning Zone deserves this nomination for its unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing education, which is evident in its personalised and transformative approach to student development. This commitment not only shapes confident and competent nursing professionals but also contributes to the future of healthcare, making it a deserving candidate for this nomination.The culture promotes continuous learning, with meaningful conversations identifying individual needs. A robust support network, including ward managers and clinical educators, fosters both academic and personal growth
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
REI Theatres supports and inspires student nurses throughout their placement with emotional and practical guidance and support. Students dictate the focus and pace of their learning while time for reflection writing and projects are scheduled. Student nurses receive a variety of valuable surgical theatre experience by means of a two-phase learning model that combines observation and hands-on experience across various roles. This placement, with its exceptional leadership, practical exposure, and nurturing culture, inspires confidence, skills development and a deeper interest in surgical nursing.
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospital NHS Trusts
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (WHTH) provides an outstanding student placement experience, combining structured learning, exceptional supporting network, and innovative teaching methods. Tailored support is constantly available to meet students' learning needs with our supervisors, assessors and educators and the constant delivery of additional learning opportunities such as simulation sessions, multidisciplinary forums, and shadowing with experience with Clinical Nurse Specialists. WHTH fosters a welcoming and professional culture, supporting emotional well-being, teamwork. By prioritizing tailored support and continuous improvement through student feedback, WHTH shows its commitment in fostering the next generation of future nurses.