There will be a double celebration for Steven Simmons from Neath today (July 21), when he graduates with a First Class Honours Degree in Nursing from Swansea University’s School of Human and Health Sciences.
Steven, aged 31, is also this year’s winner of the School’s top Nursing prize, the Pre-registration Nursing Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Memory of Margaret Perry.
The annual award, worth £200, is presented to a student who has obtained the overall highest result and consistently performed throughout the duration of the three-year Nursing degree.
Steven, who now works as a qualified nurse on the Neurosurgery Ward at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, will receive the award from the Head of the School of Human and Health Sciences, Professor Melanie Jasper.
Professor Jasper said: “Steven’s high academic results have been constant throughout.
“Steven is the first male recipient of the Margaret Perry Memorial Prize. He is highly valued by colleagues, academic staff and patients alike. He has many strengths that make him an outstanding role model both as a student and as a qualified nurse.”
Speaking about his award, Steven said: “After leaving school in Scotland in 1997, I travelled around the world and taught English to speakers of other languages in both Thailand and Cambodia. I was teaching English in Bari, Italy but not enjoying certain aspects of it. I didn’t see it as a career in the long term.
“I had thought about nursing on and off for a few years, before finally making the decision to do it. I have never regretted my decision.
“I really enjoyed the course and I am very pleased to be winning this award. My family are proud of my achievements. It feels great to be graduating, this moment often felt so far away during the course, but it has finally come!”
Steven, who is thoroughly enjoying his career as a nurse, said: “I was thrilled to get a job at the Neurosurgery Ward at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff and I’m really loving it. It’s very challenging sometimes but it keeps me on my toes and I always have something to learn, which is exciting.
“I like the pivotal role we play in patient care, ensuring their stay in hospital is as pleasant and smooth as possible from admission to discharge. I like the responsibility that we have – even though at first it can be quite scary – and I like providing hands-on care. It’s very rewarding to go home at the end of a shift knowing that our contribution has made a difference to the lives of our patients.”
He added: “I look forward to mentoring students and I would eventually like to become a nurse practitioner after continuing my professional development at Swansea University.”
Steven’s personal tutor, Megan Rosser, added: “Steven is thoroughly deserving of the Margaret Perry Memorial Prize. From his very first day he showed total commitment to his nursing practice and academic studies.
“As a mature student, Steve had faced starting a new career with some trepidation, but his fears were swiftly allayed and it was always a pleasure to see how very convinced he was about making the right decision about his career change.
“Throughout his studies he remained focussed on providing nursing care of the highest standard, this commitment was evident both in feedback from hic clinical placements and in his written work.
“I know that Steven will continue to push the boundaries of possibilities within nursing and I wish him every success in his career.”
For more information about Swansea University Graduation Week visit http://www.swansea.ac.uk/graduation/
