Students shortlisted for prestigious nursing awards

Two nursing students from the University of Wolverhampton have been shortlisted in the Student Nursing Times Awards 2025 for going above and beyond to support others during their studies.  

Final-year Adult Nursing students Maria Serria and Natasha Breakwell have been successful in being shortlisted for awards. The University has also been shortlisted for the Teaching Innovation of the Year and Best Student Experience awards.  

The awards will bring together the nursing community to shine a light on the brightest talent making their way into the profession, highlighting excellence in all specialties of student nursing. The awards will also provide an opportunity to congratulate lecturers, practice supervisors, universities, trusts, and private organisations providing the best support for student nurses during their studies. 

Maria, 43, and originally from Argentina, has been shortlisted for three awards: Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion, Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year and Student Nurse of the Year (Adult).  

Having been shortlisted for three awards, Maria said: “I feel very humble to have my work recognised, especially when my passion for nursing, global health, and advocacy comes from a genuine desire to make a difference.  

“Sometimes, as a student, it feels like our contributions are small. However, these nominations prove that every effort counts, no matter how big or small. These nominations also highlight the importance of inclusion, representation and the power of nursing beyond hospital walls. 

“I never expected to be shortlisted because I’ve always seen my work as something I do out of care, not for recognition. It was a surreal moment to realise that others noticed the impact of my efforts, whether it was my volunteering in Nepal, my work with An Extra M (Voice of Nurses), or my involvement with the Child Care Foundation in Uganda. 

“It just goes to show that when you follow your passion and put in the hard work, you create a ripple effect and people take notice, even when you least expect it.”  

Natasha, 38, from West Bromwich, has been shortlisted for the Student Innovation in Practice award.  

Reflecting on her award nomination, Natasha said: “I was so shocked to have been nominated. It's such a prestigious awards event and I'm so grateful to have been shortlisted. Making a positive impact in people’s lives brings me great joy, and receiving this recognition only strengthens my commitment to continue doing so.  

“Helping others has always been a core part of who I am and knowing that my efforts have made a difference is very rewarding. 

“I began my course in April 2022, and my time at the University of Wolverhampton has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Embarking on this challenging yet fulfilling journey in Adult Nursing has been both enriching and inspiring.”  

Alison Hay, Principal Lecturer and Head of Nursing at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “I would like to congratulate both students and the University on being shortlisted for these awards. Nursing is a demanding course wherever it is studied and requires perseverance and resilience which the students have shown day in and day out on this programme to get to this point.  

“I’m sure that the recognition will stand them in very good stead for brilliant careers in the future.” 

“I’m also proud of the Nursing Academic Team and the Academic coaches at the University who strive to support students to succeed through innovative practices and in ensuring that nurse education is both supportive and engaging.” 

The Student Nursing Times Awards will take place on Friday 2 May at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London. 

For more information about the range of Nursing and Healthcare courses at the University, check out the website or visit one of our Open Days.