Bangor University graduate Katie Bright has been shortlisted for Student Nurse of the Year in the learning disabilities category by the Student Nursing Times Awards 2024.

The Student Nursing Times Awards highlight excellence in all specialities of student nursing and provide an opportunity to congratulate individuals as well as the lecturers, practice supervisors, universities, trusts and private organisations that offer support for student nurses during their studies.

Katie graduated as a learning disabilities nurse from Bangor University last December with a first-class honours degree. She is now a learning disability nurse for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, working at an assessment and treatment unit for patients with learning disabilities and a mental health illness whilst raising two young children.

Katie said: “I feel extremely proud to have been recognised for my work within the field of disability nursing, it’s something I never expected! I am passionate about developing and delivering high-quality care for patients with a learning disability and look forward to supporting colleagues striving for equality within healthcare.”

The Student Nursing Times Awards will be celebrated on Friday 26 April 2024 in a live ceremony at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, London.

Congratulating Katie, Dr Elizabeth Mason, Interim Head of School and NMC Professional Lead (Nursing), School of Health Sciences, Bangor University said: “We are all very proud of Katie’s achievement in being shortlisted for the Student Nurse of the Year in the Learning Disabilities category.

“During her three years at Bangor, she went above and beyond in terms of both her practical and theoretical studies.

“Her academic success was fuelled by a genuine curiosity for learning, but she also regularly displayed those all-important softer skills of kindness and compassion towards her peers and individuals with learning disability, and these are what really made her shine.

All of Katie’s colleagues at the School of Health Sciences at Bangor University wish her all the best on the night of the Awards, and in her future nursing career, she is a shining example to all students and future professionals.”