Caring nurse makes grade
A NEWLY-QUALIFIED A&E children’s nurse has graduated from university after being named ‘most caring’.
Emily Hodgson, from Accrington, received three special awards while studying for her BSc (Hons) in Children’s Nursing at Edge Hill, including The Adam Bell Scholarship, an Excellence Scholarship and The Joanne Leadbetter Prize for being the most caring, empathetic and sympathetic children’s nurse in the graduating cohort.
The 23-year-old first considered becoming a children’s nurse at the age of 13 when she carried out voluntary work with the Girl Guides and in a special educational needs school and children’s ward.
Emily said: “I chose nursing because of the difference you can make to the families as well as the children themselves.
“In A&E you sometimes see parents at their most anxious so it’s important you support them too, even if it’s just making them a cup of tea.
“I try really hard to keep the child calm, to help them understand what’s happening to them but to also distract them if they’re having unpleasant treatment.
“Playing games with them or making them laugh really helps as well.”
Emily, who now works in the emergency department of the Royal
Manchester Children’s Hospital, was also nominated for the national 2019 Student Nursing Times’ Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs.
She was recognised for making a meaningful contribution to improving the student curriculum and teaching environment, in part by helping to set up Edge Hill’s first official Nursing Society.
“I’m just so proud to have got to where I am because I did work hard,” she added. “All the effort has been worth it.
“I really enjoy being a nurse; it’s so rewarding.”