Nicola Marshall, a former student at South West College has been shortlisted for the Student Nurse of the Year: Adult award and the Student Nursing Times Awards 2025. Nicola completed her Level 2 and Level 3 studies, completing the National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care programme in Dungannon before progressing to study nursing at Ulster University (Magee). Nicola is currently in her final year and completing her last 18 week student placement before she qualifies as a registered nurse.
Nicola is the only student from Northern Ireland to be nominated in her category. Reflecting on her time at the college she said:
“The support I received from the lecturers at SWC was fabulous, they were always encouraging me to follow my dream to become a nurse. I was a class representative and really enjoyed my time at the College.”
Award-winners will be presented with their prizes at a ceremony in London on Friday 2nd May. In nominating Nicola for the accolade, her lecturers at Ulster University said:
“Nicola stands out as an exceptional final-year pre-registration nurse who represents the highest standards of nursing excellence. Her journey through the nursing education demonstrates a remarkable commitment to patient care, professional development and community service.”
Nicola’s community service has also been highlighted, working with community organisations for 19 years and participating in charity missions to Uganda during which she supported ongoing humanitarian efforts in the country.
Aislinn Cassidy, Course Coordinator, Life and Personal Sciences at South West College, said:
‘’Nicola demonstrated exceptional commitment, professionalism, and compassion throughout her studies. She consistently exhibited a strong understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of the field of health and social care. Her dedication to patient-centred care, ability to work collaboratively with her peers, and proactive approach to learning set her apart as an exemplary student. In addition to academic excellence, Nicola showed remarkable empathy and communication skills when working with diverse groups on placement and in the classroom. It was a joy to teach Nicola for three years, watching her growth both academically and practically. It’s wonderful to hear our past students strive to achieve their passions, knowing that we’ve played a supportive role in helping them get there. I wish Nicola every success with the award and know that she’s going to make a great nurse; we are all so proud.’’
Adding his own message of support, Dr Alastair McCarley, Deputy Head of Department for Health, Life and Personal Sciences at South West College, said:
“We are very proud of Nicola’s continued success in her studies and professional development. As a class representative during her time at SWC she exemplified all the values which we seek to instil and develop in our students. Nicola’s passion for her subject was unwavering and we are delighted to see that she has been recognised in this way on a national level.
If you would like to follow in Nicola’s footsteps, applications are now open for our full-time and part-times Health and Social Care courses at SWC.