A student from the University of Bedfordshire has become the first Student Nursing Associate in the East of England to receive a prestigious Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Award, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to patient care and commitment to nursing excellence.
Jodie Fleming, who has just completed the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship course at the University, was presented with the Student Excellence Award during a surprise ceremony at the University’s Bedford campus.
The award was introduced by the Chief Midwifery Officer and Chief Nursing Officer for England in Autumn 2025 to recognise the exceptional contributions made by student midwives and nurses while still in training. The award celebrates students who go above and beyond in practice, education or their communities, while already demonstrating NHS values and leadership behaviours.
In her nomination, Jodie was praised for the compassion, professionalism and resilience she demonstrated while on placement at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Her line manager described her as “an exceptional Student Nursing Associate who truly embodies dignity and respect in everything she does.” She was also described as “a credit to the Student Nursing Associate role.”
The student award is a single-level national award assessed through a formal national panel process to ensure consistency and fairness across regions. Jodie was named as the first recipient in the East of England to receive a Chief Nursing Officer Award.
Speaking about receiving this recognition, Jodie said: “It feels really good to receive this award. It definitely makes me realise that I’ve pursued the right career and what I’m doing is the right thing. I’ve always liked caring for people, and I’ve always seen nursing as my future job. I hope to keep progressing and be a role model to other nurses.”
Jodie’s achievement highlights the impact student nursing associates can make within healthcare settings and reflects the University’s Career-Powered Education approach, which aims to ensure students graduate not only with academic knowledge, but also with the practical skills, confidence and professional connections needed to thrive in their chosen careers.
Through a combination of academic study and hands-on professional experience, the University supports students in developing the skills, resilience and values needed to make an immediate contribution within the NHS and wider healthcare sector.
Dr Alison Tresidder, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Community & Life Sciences, added: “Jodie’s award is a fantastic achievement, and we are incredibly proud to see her become the first Student Nursing Associate in the East of England to receive this national recognition. She has shown outstanding compassion, professionalism and resilience throughout her training, and this award is thoroughly deserved.”
