Why we should be proud of Leeds student nurses in Covid-19 battle - the YEP says

Next week marks the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale - the trailblazing pioneer who transformed nursing and left a lasting legacy for the foundations of modern healthcare.

She set an example of commitment and compassion to the patients she cared for.

Today that very same sentiment is echoed through the dedication and bravery of those students who grace the front of today’s Yorkshire Evening Post.

The students from Leeds Beckett and the University of Leeds have answered the call from the NHS to support its frontline during the coronavirus pandemic.

Today they speak of their commitment to their new roles as Aspirant Nurses fast-tracked to the frontline.

The role of Aspirant Nurse is open to student nurses in the final six months of their programme who opted into the nationally led Student Nurse Volunteer Programme.

The programme was set up in response to calls from NHS England for up to 18,000 student nurses across the country to assist during the current coronavirus crisis.

The role allows student nurses who would have graduated this September to begin to use their knowledge and skills appropriately during the crisis, whilst progressing their nurse education training.

And today they have spoken to the Yorkshire Evening Post about their crucial role in supporting others and the various challenges and scenarios they are likely to face in the weeks and months ahead.

Professor Peter Slee, Leeds Beckett University Vice Chancellor, told the YEP: “Nurses have always been held in high regard by the public for the professionalism and dedication they bring to their roles.

“The enormous impact of the coronavirus on all our lives has highlighted just how crucial their work is in looking after the health of the nation. Through our strong and long-standing relationship with the NHS, our student nurses have shown tremendous commitment to their vocation in stepping forward and supporting the national effort.

“They should do so knowing that we have nothing but respect and admiration for them as they join the frontline in community health services across the region.”

Professor Janet Hirst, Head of the School of Healthcare at the University of Leeds, added: “We’re very proud at the University of Leeds of all our healthcare students and how they have adapted to their studies and placements.

“We continue to provide support for our students as they work across the NHS.”

Anybody could forgive these students for feeling anxious but they have spoken of their pride at the opportunity to step up to support others.

The values Florence Nightingale held so dear are certainly embodied in today’s cohort.