Temitope Babajide, a third-year Adult Nursing student at ARU, was named Student Nurse of the Year at the Royal College of Nursing (RCI)’s annual awards, which took place this year via an online ceremony.
Temitope won praise for her three-week placement in Ghana where she worked in hospitals and organised events including a sports day, glove awareness presentation and a widows’ event aimed at helping the local Takoradi community.
She also arranged for medical equipment and other supplies, donated by Basildon Hospital, individuals and other organisations, to be shipped to Ghana to assist local healthcare professionals.
Temitope said: “I feel honoured that my work has been acknowledged. It is such a nice reward for the time and effort I have invested in these projects. This is a recognition of global, multi-professional teamworking.
“I feel passionately about being a part of the diverse NHS team and I am proud to be able to set an example to my family, and to the next generation of nurses.”
Her tutors at ARU also spoke highly of her work on the course.
Melanie Bird, Head of School for Nursing and Midwifery at ARU, said: “Throughout her student journey, Temitope has excelled in her commitment to the profession.
“She has undertaken additional project work alongside her studies and has a genuine insight into human behaviour. This absolutely helps in her endeavours to enhance practice by undertaking observational studies.
“Temitope is also a positive student advocate and has helped drive positive change to ensure that all student voices are heard and their needs are met.”
The award was sponsored by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Image: Temitope Babajide - credit Royal College of Nursing