A recently qualified Stockport school nurse has been shortlisted for a national award recognising her outstanding commitment to learning, and supporting LGBTQ+ pupils and students.

Rachel Donnelly is now a finalist in the ‘Learner of the Year’ category at this year’s Student Nursing Times Awards, which celebrate the best training and learning in healthcare services across the country.

Rachel took on a postgraduate apprenticeship working through Manchester Metropolitan University to qualify as a specialist community public health nurse, and showed excellent commitment at every stage in her training.

She was particularly passionate about improving school nursing support and reducing health inequalities for LGBTQ+ young people, and decided to introduce a project to tackle this. 

Working with a high school with an LGBTQ+ support group, Rachel conducted focus groups to understand the specific needs of these students. This helped her to develop toolkit shaped by their input, which has now been introduced among local school nurses. This has helped to foster inclusivity and understanding, and helped to improve the care provided for these students.

Rachel has already received the national School Nurse Student of the Year from the School and Public Health Nurse Association (SAPHNA) in 2023, and her work has also been incorporated by SAPHNA into their own national toolkit set for release later this year, which will reach school nurses nationally and help provide enhanced support for LGBTQ+ students across the UK.

Nic Firth, Chief Nurse for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said “It’s brilliant to see Rachel being shortlisted as ‘Learner of the Year’, her enthusiasm and commitment are exactly what we want to see from our nurses in training. Rachel’s work is really helping our school nurses in giving the best care they can to young LGBTQ+ students, and we’re really glad to see this being recognised on the national stage.”

The winners of the Student Nursing Times Awards will be announced during a ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 26th April.