National success for RGU nursing graduate

Chloe Jackson has been named Nursing Student of the Year at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards in recognition of her exceptional achievement during her studies

Chloe is neurodivergent and throughout her time at RGU raised awareness of neurodiversity within nursing through her role on the RCN student committee and setting up Support and Understanding for Neurodivergent Nurses (SUNN), a group dedicated to supporting neurodivergent nurses. She also launched a podcast and blog about her own nursing journey.

Having previously studied BA (Hons) Hospitality Management and master's degree in Digital Marketing at RGU, the award winning graduate gained some key skills in customer service and business that she feels set her up for her next step.

Her path to nursing was a career she had always considered having had parents and a grandmother who were all nurses and after gaining experience and growing in confidence, Chloe decided to return to RGU and study BSc Adult Nursing.

She graduated at Aberdeen Music Hall in December 2023 while wearing the Heart of Grampian Tartan, designed by a patient Chloe cared for while training at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

On her RCN triumph, Chloe said: "I am truly humbled to be named Student Nurse of the Year, and I am honoured to have had the opportunity to support my fellow nurses who are neurodivergent. As a neurodivergent student nurse myself, I know firsthand the challenges that can come with navigating a traditional healthcare education. But I also know that with the right support and accommodations, we can thrive and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients.

“I am proud to have studied at RGU, where I was able to develop my skills and knowledge in a supportive and inclusive environment. I'm grateful to my educators, mentors, and peers who have helped me grow and flourish as a student nurse.

“I hope that my work will inspire other neurodivergent students to pursue their dreams in nursing, and I am committed to continuing to advocate for inclusivity and accessibility in healthcare education. This award is not just a recognition of my own achievements, but a testament to the power of neurodiverse voices and perspectives in shaping the future of healthcare. I'm thrilled to be representing RGU as Student Nurse of the Year, and I look forward to using this platform to make a positive impact on the nursing profession."

Professor Susan Dawkes, Dean of the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice, said: “I am delighted that our recent RGU graduate Chloe Jackson won the prestigious Royal College of Nursing Scotland nursing student of the year award. 

“It is very well deserved, and I am so proud of Chloe and her achievements. Chloe was a fantastic student nurse who championed causes that are important to students, particularly inclusivity. Chloe has a very bright future indeed and I am sure this award will be one of many that she receives in her career.” 

The RCN Nursing Student of the Year award aims to recognise those who have shown exceptional promise during their professional education or practice placement, deserving recognition for exceptional achievement during their studies. The RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards took place at The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh on Thursday 23 May. 

One of RGU’s key enablers is to position itself as a leading university within the health sector and this is reflected in the close history of collaboration with NHS Grampian, with the University being one of the largest providers of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals for the region.