James is finalist for nurse of the year

James is finalist for nurse of the year

8 September 2021

KILLYLEAGH’S James Savage said he is “honoured” to be a finalist in the Nursing Times mental health student nurse of the year competition.

He said students across the entire healthcare profession have shown “tremendous courage and fortitude” over the past 18 months when faced with the challenges presented by Covid-19.

He said to be nationally recognised as one of the best of a group that are already collectively some of the finest across the profession is a great honour.

James has praised Ringdufferin Nursing Home for starting his nursing career in nursing, explaining that  the entire team was excellent to him, praising them for the early faith they placed in him.

“My work there during the pandemic was some of the hardest in my life but I take pride in knowing the difference I and the team made.” he continued.

The Killyleagh man said that his former schools — Down High School and Blackwater Integrated College — really helped him as well.

“The support and encouragement I received in both schools empowered me to go from someone who was not overly fussed on school to being a huge advocate for higher education, especially during my speeches to Parliament as a member of the UK Youth Parliament.”

James has been nominated for the award by Liverpool John Moores University and has thanked staff their support during the pandemic and allowing him to take part in a wide array of extracurricular activities that led to this nomination. 

He continued: “My extracurricular work within the Royal College of Nursing, representing student nurses across North West England and the Student Quality Ambassador Programme, helped developed my knowledge and has allowed me to help so many people who have helped me to develop as a professional and as a person.

“As I proceed towards qualifying as a Registered Mental Health Nurse I will continue to stand up for the profession, to ensure we have well paid, well trained nurses who can tackle the issues facing our National Health Service.”