A TRAINEE nurse who is also a British Amy reservist is in the running for a national award for budding healthcare professionals.

Oxford Brookes University student Kate Heslop, who studies at the Oxford School of Nursing & Midwifery, has been shortlisted for Children’s Nurse of the Year at the Student Nursing Times Awards.

Kate is one of eight students nominated in her category at the annual awards.

She said: “I am humbled to have been shortlisted for this award. I have spent the last five years working towards where I am today.

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“An undergraduate degree and then two years working in a boarding school prepared me academically and financially for the Masters in Children’s Nursing, but the past three years have been the most challenging, empowering and rewarding.

“I am incredibly grateful for the academic help and pastoral support which the Nursing team at Oxford Brookes have given me.

“At the John Radcliffe Children’s Hospital, I have had fantastic mentors who have educated, supported and developed my clinical knowledge and skills, enabling me to provide family-centred and high-quality patient care of which I am extremely proud.

“I am passionate about being the best advocate for my patients and their families.”

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Kate was nominated by her lecturers, who said they were impressed by her commitment and dedication, while also maintaining a diverse lifestyle and overcoming adversity.

As well as her studies, Kate is the Unit Medic at the Oxford Universities Officer Training Corps, having joined the British Army Reserves in 2012.

Award winners will be announced April 26.