Top nursing honour for ‘caring and compassionate’ student
A University of Sunderland graduate has received an accolade to go with her top achievement.
Not only has Stacy Humphrey gained first-class honours after three years of dedication and hard work, she has also been awarded this year’s Helen McArdle Nursing Prize.
The 22-year-old, from Fulwell, was newly qualified when she started working on the front-line as an A&E nurse in South Tyneside District Hospital a couple of months ago – which meant she was starting her career when the coronavirus pandemic was really taking hold.
The graduate from the university’s Adult Nursing programme demonstrated a commitment to student affairs as a School of Nursing and Health Sciences co-ordinator and students’ representative on the university’s Board of Governors, offering a voice on behalf of others at the highest level.
In addition to these two roles, she was also Chair of the Nursing Society.
“I was surprised and overwhelmed when I received the email informing me of being the 2020 recipient of the Helen McArdle Nursing Prize – it’s fantastic news”, said Stacy, a former Monkwearmouth School pupil.
"I loved my time at Sunderland. The teaching and support have been fantastic and the facilities are outstanding.
“I know it’s a challenging time with COVID-19, but the ethos remains the same; caring and supporting those who most need our help.
"I’m lucky in that I have a huge support network around me, from my family to the lecturers at the university.”
The Helen McArdle Nursing Prize of £150 and a certificate is part of multimillion-pound partnership with the philanthropist and entrepreneur that benefits teaching and research in nursing and care.
The university’s Shackleton House building was renamed Helen McArdle House in 2019 in recognition of this donation.
Simone Bedford, team leader for post-graduate nursing, said: “Stacy has grown into a superb nurse. She has supported less able students and she is an inspiration and a positive role model.
"In my 24-year career in nursing and having worked in the NHS, RAF and four universities, I have never seen such a committed, caring and compassionate student.”