Clinical Research Nurse nominated in Recognising Excellence and Achievement awards

Congratulations to Liza Swart, Clinical Research Nurse at the NIHR/Wellcome Trust Manchester Clinical Research Facility (MCRF), who was nominated under the Mentor of the Year category in the Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Care awards.

Liza was one of 120 people nominated by nursing and midwifery students at The University of Manchester, across three categories. The awards are an opportunity to highlight mentors who show enthusiasm and commitment to supporting students and their learning.

A criteria for nominations was how mentors went over and above their role, by not only supporting a student with their placements but how they provided emotional and practical support. This might include helping students gain more confidence in practice, or supporting them with this personal development.

The MCRF has research nurses from a wide range of specialisms which provides students with a rich variety of learning. Individual teaching sessions provided by the team of nurses at MCRF enhanced placements.

Liza’s nomination emphasised her friendly, caring and passionate demeanour, making the student feel comfortable and supported during their various placements. It was also acknowledged how Liza went out of her way to organise interesting placements across a variety of different departments, which involved a lot of organisation and chasing, as well as supporting the student with their work assignments by reading through and providing constructive feedback and support to help them achieve good marks.

Liza said of her nomination:

I was very surprised and honoured as I did not realise that the student recognized our commitment to clinical research nursing and mentorship. I reflected on the importance of developing effective relationships with learners which we do together as a team.  This nomination reflects on us as an effective group of mentors here at the MCRF.

Sheeba Abraham, Nurse Manager at the MCRF, added:

“Congratulations to Liza on her nomination for Mentor of the Year. It is a testament to her hard work and passion towards developing the next generation of research nurses. The MCRF provides the opportunity for students to work alongside clinical research nurses, providing them with an understanding of the diverse role that nurses and research processes within the facility.”

A full list of nominations and winners can be on the Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Care website.