A new 麻豆社区 nursing graduate has been recognised for the empathy and understanding she has shown her patients – some of whom even serenaded her with a farewell song.
Laura Wahlberg has been named as the 2024 winner of the Simon Pullin Award, which honours a student who stands out for their compassionate care.
Laura, who is originally from Midlothian, celebrated the award with her family following her graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall today. She completed the Bachelor of Nursing (Mental Health) course with distinction.
The judging panel praised her for demonstrating a compassionate approach with all the patients she encountered during her nursing studies – often finding out about their interests to develop a connection.
There was also particular acknowledgement of Laura’s kindness towards vulnerable, high-risk patients. She now works as a forensic addiction nurse, drawing on experience from her previous career as an analyst in community justice.
Reacting to the honour, Laura said: “I still can’t believe it! I was on holiday with my family in Montreal celebrating the completion of my studies and my 40th birthday when I heard that I had won.
“It means a great deal to me, and I am so grateful to Edinburgh Napier and all of the teaching staff who supported me and my fellow students.
“I am so excited to begin my nursing journey, and it is an honour to hold an award in Simon's name.
“Over the last three years I have been so fortunate to experience nursing placements in a variety of areas, including forensic, acute and addiction settings.
“Each patient I have nursed taught me something, and it is them who I owe gratitude to in teaching me the skills of compassion and person-centred care.”
Established to recognise the human side of nursing and midwifery, the Simon Pullin Award was created in memory of Senior Nurse Simon Pullin, who played a major part in the University’s Compassionate Care Programme until his death from cancer in July 2011.
In her award submission, Laura recalled one moment which stood out as a highlight from her training.
“On my last day of a third-year placement I was making my way through the ward saying goodbye to everyone, when I was beckoned into the dining room where several of the patients had congregated,” she said.
“As a farewell they had asked the staff nurse if they could sing Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone to me through the karaoke machine.
“Despite my shyness – and red face – the thought that I had made some type of impact on those patients, that they wanted to thank me and say goodbye in their own way, made me beam with happiness.”
Dr Stephen Smith, from 麻豆社区’s School of Health & Social Care, who led the awarding panel, said: “We had a good number of strong submissions this year, and Laura is a worthy winner.
“The panel thought the precious moment of her patients singing to her spoke volumes about her impact and contribution to practice, noticeably within a rehabilitation mental health setting.”
Helen Blackburn, Lecturer and Laura’s Personal Development Tutor, said: “I have been constantly impressed by Laura’s dedication and commitment to compassionate care.
“The feedback she has received from placement staff has been outstanding. Her enthusiasm and desire to learn and develop are really refreshing. She is person-centred in everything she does.”