‘It’s that time of year when I ask people to apply to be a student editor’

I was struck the other day, by the experience of sitting in the garden in bright sunshine with the paddling pool and BBQ out, while watching the leaves of the trees falling around me.

“Both annual initiatives never cease to impress me with the quality of entries and applications ”

In contrast, I recall my early weeks at university in Devon being characterised by days and days of pouring rain during the autumn term – or as it was called then, the Michaelmas term.

Anyway, all this means it’s that time of year again when I ask student nurses and midwives around the country to consider applying to become a Nursing Times student editor.

If your application is successful and you are chosen, you will get to write regularly on nursing issues that affect you or reflect on your experiences, for example, while on placement.

I put out a request for student editor applications this morning and I’ve already had a number of forms sent in this afternoon, which is absolutely brilliant.

Likewise, as it’s near the start of the academic year, it’s also very nearly time to open the Student Nursing Times Awards for entries.

The 2024 Student Nursing Times Awards are due to be launched very soon. There will be 23 categories to enter, including a new one designed to celebrate students who have made a significant impact on sustainability.

Both annual initiatives never cease to impress me with the quality of entries and applications they attract each year, and the impressive and inspiring individuals behind them.

I always make a point of trying to follow the careers of both our former student editors and the winners of our student awards, taking a tiny amount of pride in seeing them succeed.

As I write, I am on a train to Brighton for our Nursing Times Careers Live South careers event tomorrow, where I am looking forward to meeting two of our winners and editors, who will be speaking in our student reception session.

By taking part in the event, they will get the opportunity to gain experience in public speaking and share their experiences and advice with the next generation of students.

So, there are benefits to be had on all fronts. So, please consider applying to become a Nursing Times student editor and think about entering the Student Nursing Times Awards; hopefully both!

The awards will be open for entries until 15 December 2023. Visit the awards website early next week for details of the categories and how to enter.

At this point, I’d also like to thank our last group of student editors, who have just finished their stint, and wish them good luck with their careers. I am sure we will hear from them again soon.

For those considering applying to become a student editor, you have until Friday the 29 September to email me your form; so that’s two weeks from today.

Here’s a selection of their recent blogs to tide you over until our next group of Nursing Times student editors are up and writing.

• ‘Some of my happiest moments have been after a shift’
• ‘I really want to be the best nurse I can be’
• ‘I realised just how much children’s nursing had to offer me’
• ‘What support exists for neurodivergent nurses?’
• ‘I changed my perspective on attachment’
• ‘From my first day at the CRF I felt at home, like I’d found my tribe’