A student nurse from Ramsey has been shortlisted for a UK award.

Katie Sharpe is one of nine nominees that are up for the National Student Nurse Congress Award, which recognises the achievements of ’exceptional’ student nurses.

The National Student Nurse Congress has introduced the award for the first time, which looks for nurses showing a real passion for their work who support others and show potential of being a future nursing leader.

Katie, who studies at the University College Isle of Man, told the Examiner: ’I’m a bit blown away.’

She was nominated by Keyll Darree Health and Social Care Higher Education Centre and Bernadette Devlin, a senior lecturer on her course, in December.

’I’m absolutely honoured to have even been considered,’ Katie said. ’I was said to be nominated for my "genuineness", "self-deprecating nature", for being "courageous" and my "committment to others and to my work".’

Now in her final year of training, she is currently on placement with Hospice Isle of Man.

’They are just an incredible team. The support for staff, patients, their parents or anyone involved is out of this world. They genuinely care,’ she said, adding that she has learned ’so much’ from the charity and on her surgical and medical placements.

The 34-year-old, who was previously a nursery nurse, said: ’I’ve come into it quite late on. I’m one of the oldest of the cohort. The reason for choosing to do this was for career progression.’

Although she admits it’s been difficult juggling her education and shift work while raising a son with her partner, she realised ’very early on’ that she wouldn’t go back to what she was doing before. ’I love being a nurse,’ she said.

’We identify these needs that people have and we put facilities in place so they feel safe. People probably don’t always see the other roles that nurses do.’

She and her family will attend the awards in London in April.