Department celebrates the work of mentors
Posted on 10 June 2015
The 2015 Nurse Mentor Prize was awarded to Ria Dean, a staff nurse on Ward 33, and the Midwifery Mentor Prize went to Diane Green, both from York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Mike Szpak, a third year adult nursing student who nominated Ria, said: "The standards Ria has for patient care were exceptional, with these standards never wavering, regardless of feeling tired, overworked or in the face of adversity. Patient-centred care matters to her a great deal and she never fails to take notice or respond to things others simply over-look. Ria notices both the 'little things' as well as the 'big things' that matter so much to patients. Her qualities of extreme sincerity, kindness and self-awareness in addition to integrity, approachability and great clinical skills make her a worthy candidate for this award."
Ria was not able to attend the awards ceremony but Fiona McInnes, Director of Practice Education, caught up with her a few days after the event. Ria (pictured) said: "I am surprised but delighted to receive this award. Over the years I have worked hard to develop my skills in supporting and nurturing students and, whilst there have been some challenges, I thoroughly enjoy the role. It is fantastic to have this work recognised."
Jo Lilley, a third year student midwife, nominated the Midwifery Mentor Prize which went to Diane Green. Jo said: "Diane is an excellent teacher with infinite patience, always supportive and willing to allow me to challenge myself. As a student it can be difficult to step out of your comfort zone and try something for the first time but her mentorship allowed me to do this many times, safe in the knowledge that she would be there to encourage and support me.“
Diane said: "I was shocked, stunned and feel really privileged to be have been nominated and to win this award. When I was a student midwife, I was lucky to have some of the most patient midwives looking after me. I have never forgotten how scary it can be when you are challenged to do something new, how gentle, understanding and supportive they were and how easy and enjoyable it was to learn in a non-threatening, friendly environment. I always try to provide this kind of environment for the students who work with me, and that way we learn together, for there are many opportunities for me to learn from them."
The awards are presented annually as part of the Department's Practice Education Conference and organiser Fiona commented: “We are pleased again to be highlighting the commitment of our superb mentors in practice. All mentors are fundamental in helping students translate their learning into practice and to developing the values and attitudes the public expect in compassionate and knowledgeable nurses and midwives.”