A student nurse from Edinburgh has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award which recognises exceptional professional skills and potential.
Myra Ariyaratnam, who is studying at Edinburgh Napier University, has been nominated for the 2013/14 Outstanding Academic Achievement award under the UK’s only scholarships for Student Nurses and Midwives, run by Cavell Nurses’ Trust.
The finalists will be chosen next month by a panel of eminent judges, comprising leading nurses and midwives, including Professor Lesley Page, President of the Royal College of Midwives. Myra will be interviewed by the panel, alongside 28 other candidates.
Winners of the top awards will receive up to £2,000 to further their professional practice either in this country or internationally, in conjunction with their university.
Previous winners of the scholarships have used these outstanding opportunities to study and work in India and Africa and last year’s winner of the leadership award travelled to the Andes in Peru to help nurse families afflicted by poisoned water courses, a result of mining activity.
There are five award categories covering academic achievement, outstanding student midwife and nurse, leadership and community.
Cavell Nurses’ Trust was formed in 1917 with overwhelming public support following the execution of British nurse Edith Cavell during the First World War. The charity is urging people to support an online petition, calling for the inspirational nurse to be commemorated next year, the centenary of her death, on a special edition £2 coin, as part of the WW1 series of tributes.
People can support the campaign via https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/the-british-treasury-issue-a-2-coin-with-the-face-of-edith-cavell-on-it ;
The charity, which helps hundreds of nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants who have fallen on hard times every year, is also running a Centenary Appeal to raise a million by next year and double the number of people it supports. For further information about Cavell Nurses’ Trust, please visit www.cavellnursestrust.org or call 01527 595999.
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