National recognition for nursing apprentice

A nursing apprentice has been recognised nationally for her contribution to the NHS.  

Roanna Williamson has been awarded a prestigious Chief Nursing Officer Award for Student Excellence.  

She has received the award for Outstanding Individual Contribution, for students who go above and beyond in their role within university, practice or community settings.  

It recognises and celebrates the contribution of nursing, midwifery and nursing associate students and apprentices.  

The award was presented by Eileen Aylott from NHS England at a ceremony at Hopewood Park last week.  

At the event, CNTW’s chief executive James Duncan said: “This award isn’t a surprise to me. I met Roanna around five years ago when she first started and what comes through is her passion and care. She has a love for the job she does and the people she supports.” 

Roanna is a nursing assistant working in the Trust’s Learning Disability In-Reach and Transitions Team (LDITT). The team aims to enhance care in mental health wards by offering specialist support to people with learning disabilities, including those who are also autistic. 

Roanna is in her third year of the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, which is split between working in healthcare and learning at the University of Sunderland.  

Consultant nurse Kerry Smith nominated Roanna for the award. She said: “We’re so proud. Roanna doubts herself every day and has no reason to. She’s one of the best nurses I have ever worked with and she’s not even qualified yet.  

“This award shows just how special she is.” 

The nomination praised Roanna’s ability to develop positive, trusting relationships with patients, often when others haven’t been able to.  

It also included feedback from colleagues and patients, with people saying, “Everyone should have a Roanna” and that she “embodies what learning disability nursing should be”.  

Roanna was joined by her family, colleagues and representatives from the University of Sunderland to celebrate her achievement.  

On winning the award, she said: “All I can say is thank you. Everyone knows my patients come first.”