12/05/2026
Mental health nursing student Nikki, has worked in mental health settings since the age of 21, marking her long-standing commitment to a field that she describes as at times challenging, but incredibly rewarding.
In 2024, Nikki began studying for an MSc in Nursing (Mental Health) at the university, crediting the course for strengthening her clinical skills and her understanding of evidence-based practice, all while making lifelong friends along the way.
Recently, she was named a finalist in the Student Nursing Times Awards for Student Nurse of the Year: Mental Health, describing the achievement as an honour, and sharing: “it reminded me of the importance of perseverance and resilience, despite the demands of the profession”.
To all aspiring nurses on International Nurses Day, Nikki’s biggest advice is “to be the kind of nurse you would want your own loved ones to be cared for by and you’ll cherish every moment you made a difference to someone’s life”. 💙