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We are delighted to share that Honorary Senior Research Nurse, Archana Shajidevadas, has been shortlisted for the Nurse of the Year award as part of The British Journal of Nursing Awards. This is for her outstanding work in contributing to the nursing profession through clinical care, research and academia over the last 22 years.

Archana’s lead position in the pioneering Nursing Associate programme at University Hospitals Plymouth (funded by Health Education England) is one of her many accomplishments. This project saw students receive support in the form of education and pastoral care, which in turn directly supports the safe care of patients and alleviates nursing staff shortages. Archana also monitored and assessed this pilot programme and fed these results back to HEE to improve the programme nationally.

Another success is Archana’s role in the Simple Discharge team, where she has supported the development of the service and how we contact our patients. RCN Lead Representative and Staff-side Chair of Joint Staff Negotiating Committee for UHP, Vicky Brotherton adds, “Archana’s research knowledge was invaluable in the setting up of the Simple Discharge service and she used her previous experience to assist me. She is able to clearly identify issues and provide appropriate and considerate support to all patients”. She explains, “I have felt confident to have Archana as the team leader when I have had days off as she is thorough in her work and is very supportive to the junior team members. She is available to them if they have concerns or anxieties about a patient, or personally, and responds in a timely manner”.

Archana explains, "Although I have worked and contributed to different levels of modern nursing through patient care, research and education; this national recognition came as a surprise for me. I would like to thank Elaine Freeman, the Specialist Research Nurse, for the nomination and her support in the Research Department. 

It has been difficult for healthcare workers during the past few years, especially for nurses, due to the pandemic. However, we, the nurses, have proven to the world that nursing is a unique profession. Even in the unprecedented times, we cared for our patients with courage and commitment. So, let’s support and be kind to each other. 

I am proud to be part of the diversity of #1BigTeam and a member of the BAME network. I would like to dedicate this nomination to all the nurses in University Hospital Plymouth and beyond. Let’s celebrate it together! "
 

We would like to wish her the best of luck for the awards ceremony which she will attend in London, on 25 March 2022.