‘True changemaker’ and student nurse from Northampton reacts to prestigious award win

A woman who has won a prestigious, national student nursing award says she will ‘forever be passionate’ about her field.

Lauretta Ofulue, who is close to the end of her nursing degree at the University of Northampton, was crowned student nurse of the year in the learning disability category at last night’s Nursing Times Awards.

The student was inspired to take up a career in nursing after she witnessed the exemplary care her four-year-old son, Otito, received when he was ill in hospital.Otito later died, but Lauretta channelled her heartache into retraining.

While training at the university, Lauretta impressed her lecturers who nominated her for the award based on her leadership, influence, empathy skills and hard-work.

After beating off competition from other universities to win the award, Lauretta said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the fabulous lecturing team at the University of Northampton for putting me up for this award in the first place.

“To get the nomination was reward enough, to win was quite unexpected.

“It goes without saying that without learning ‘the ropes’ from them, this award wouldn’t have been possible.

“As all nurses know, we do what we do because we want to care for and help other people.

“It’s never about winning awards, but I hope this win spotlights attention on a field of nursing I will forever be passionate about.”

Donna Bray, subject lead for nursing at the University of Northampton, added: “This is a well deserved and deservedly earned award win and I send all the congratulations I can muster to Lauretta.

“Throughout her time at the university, she has challenged us to do better and be better and that’s what’s so remarkable about her.

“She is a true changemaker and I know she will continue to do good things when she finishes her studies.”

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