A NURSE from Evesham Community Hospital has been recognised for the exceptional mentoring and support given to students during their training.
57-year-old Sue Hickinbotham won the Outstanding Mentor – Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust: Inpatient Services award at the University of Worcester’s Mentor Awards ceremony.
Sue, who lives in Pershore, has worked as a staff nurse on the Willow Stroke Rehabilitation Unit for the last eleven years. The kind-hearted nurse was nominated by two Worcester students for providing a supportive environment in which they thrived during their placement.
“The mentoring role involves guiding the student to have the best possible experience during their placement.” she said.
“The student works alongside me on every shift, therefore gaining hands-on experience of the day-to-day running of the ward.
“They also gain experience working alongside the interdisciplinary team, gaining knowledge on how the different areas overlap and work together.
“My goal is for the student to work in a comfortable, approachable environment, and for the experience to benefit their future nursing life.
“The Willow Stroke Unit team is very supportive of my role as a mentor, and I am very proud to be a mentor and proud of the students I have mentored.
Vicky Preece, Deputy Director of Nursing at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, said: “We were thrilled to hear that
Sue had achieved this recognition her hard work in the mentor role.”
The University’s annual award ceremony sees individuals and teams from across the region honoured.
Jo Rouse, head of the University’s Academic Unit for Applied Professional Studies and Chair of the Mentor Awards Steering Group, said it is vital that their work is recognised.
“It is really fantastic that the University is able to join with its practice partners to celebrate the achievements of mentors in this way.” she said.
