Student nurses will be key to delivering the reforms needed for the NHS, the chief nursing officer (CNO) for England has said.
Duncan Burton, speaking at the Student Nursing Times Awards in London today, also thanked nurse educators for their “invaluable” role in supporting the next generation of the workforce.
“Our professions are central to the change we want to see”
Duncan Burton
The awards, which are held annually, recognise innovation and excellence in nursing and midwifery education across a set of 25 categories.
The England CNO made a short keynote speech ahead of the winners of the awards being announced.
He reminisced about his time as a nurse-in-training, and said the award nominees – which include students and educators alike – gave him “great pride”.
“Thank you for your hard work as you learn, your commitment to our professions, and everything you have done already to make a difference to so many people during your training and beyond,” Mr Burton told attendees.
“As a proud nurse, who started my training 30 years ago this year, I know the rewarding and diverse opportunities that a career in nursing or midwifery can offer… and I have no doubt that you will all go on to achieve great things in yours.”
At the time of writing, the nursing profession is awaiting the publication of the NHS 10-year plan, which will set out the government’s vision for how the NHS will be reshaped across the next decade.
Mr Burton, addressing the students in the room, said the next generation of nurses had an “integral role” in the delivery of this vision.
He continued: “Our professions are central to the change we want to see and it is clear from your nominations that many of you are already leading innovation, driving improvements and delivering solutions across health and social care… keep on doing that.”
Mr Burton also paid tribute to the lecturers and course leaders in the room, thanking them for the work they do to support student nurses through tough times.
“Your role in supporting students to become expert graduate nurses, midwives and nursing associates is invaluable,” he said.
He offered a personal story of how a tutor supported him when he came out as gay during his nursing studies.
“So often you are also there when things are difficult,” he said. “When I was student nurse, I came out as gay and found it a particularly tough time.
“I found such support in a very kind personal tutor – she spent time with me, listened and helped me to navigate how I was feeling, and she took the time to check in on me.
“This had a huge impact on me personally and it demonstrated the fundamental importance of kindness.”
The CNO said he was committed to ensuring the nursing and midwifery workforce was “well supported”.
“Supporting all of our students and improving your experiences, during your time training and as you take the next steps in your careers, remains an essential part of this,” he added.
“Our professions have a strong and proud history and retaining our fundamentals remains essential.”
