Dr Andrew Bland takes home University Educator of the Year Award
The 2023 Student Nursing Times Award winners were recently announced at a prestigious event in London.
With strong competition across 22 categories, the awards recognise the hard work, innovation and dedication of student nurses and nurse educators.
Dr Andrew Bland, School Director of simulation-based learning at the University of Huddersfield, took home the award for University Educator of the Year in recognition of his innovative use of simulation as a learning strategy in undergraduate nursing.
The judges said that Dr Bland (pictured in the centre above receiving his award) had had “a huge impact over a long career dedicated to simulation pedagogy”. They noted that his “dedication and insight” had contributed to the design of a “ground-breaking” new facility at the university.
The award for University Educator of the Year recognises excellent teaching as the foundation on which future generations of nurses and midwives are built. This award is given to teachers, lecturers and educators who inspire, enthuse, and motivate their students.
Study Health Professions and Social Care Courses at the University of Huddersfield
Enabling student nurses to develop skills in a safe environment
“Simulation-Based Learning (SBL) is a complex pedagogy providing opportunities for student nurses to actively engage in learning experiences, developing their critical and clinical decision-making skills in a safe environment without posing risk to patients. I was an early adopter of SBL recognising its engaging potential where students become active learners. I have devoted my career to the research and development of this dynamic approach to learning that stimulates curiosity and inspires a commitment to learn,” says Dr Andrew Bland.
“I consider teaching to be a privilege and I strive to constantly build upon my experiences as a practitioner, teacher, and researcher to continually develop and improve the learning experiences of students. I am now utilising this experience to help develop SBL resources and practices within the School of Human and Health Sciences not least in assisting in the development of our Daphne Steele Building and the future resources it will offer our students and staff.
“Receiving this award in recognition for my services to nursing education is extremely humbling and a proud moment in my career. I share this award with my colleagues, students, and the University of Huddersfield as a whole.”
The University of Huddersfield also celebrated being finalists in the Student Placement of the Year: Community category for its Get Set Goal scheme, which is delivered by healthcare students supervised by registered healthcare professionals. It provides one-to-one sessions and workshops to help people from the community to achieve their wellbeing goals.