Inspirational Amy wins award
Date of release: 13 February 2024
After vowing to “give back” to the NHS, Amy Sharkey’s determination and innovation has led to her receiving an award as she starts her dream career at Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital.
Amy receiving her award from Louise Nickell
The Nursing Associate Practitioner at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT), Amy has been named the Trust’s Apprentice of the Year 2024. She was inspired to turn to Nursing after seeing the care given to patients when her nan was diagnosed with bowel cancer seven years ago.
The 38-year-old’s ambition to be a Nurse is well on its way as she has nearly completed her level 5 degree and is halfway to becoming a qualified Nurse.
Her commitment to the service meant that she introduced weekend working to support patients’ post-surgery and facilitate faster discharge. She wanted to be there to provide physical and psychological support, not just during weekdays.
The mother of four also keeps motivating her children to become the best they can be.
She said: “I struggled when I was younger trying to juggle three jobs and looking after my children. I always knew I wanted to be a Nurse and when my nan had to have major operations, I knew I wanted to specialise in stoma care.
“This is my passion and I’m living it. I want to provide the care that was given to my nan by the team at RWT.”
Louise Nickell, Group Director of Education and Training, presented Amy with her with the award.
She said: “Amy has had a journey that is inspiring. Having started her working life outside of the NHS, Amy quickly developed an innovative role within the Colorectal department as the first apprentice in that team.
“After developing teaching aids to train staff, Amy teaches stoma care to new staff, Nurses, and Doctors, which recognises her skills, knowledge, and experience. Patients love her.
“I can’t wait to watch Amy flourish and develop even further.”
Amy’s family, including her son, Luke Sharkey, 16, and her 90-year-old-nan, watched her being honoured. He said: “Myself and my siblings are extremely proud of our mum. We have seen the hard work and determination she has put into the role – even at home.
“This has inspired me in my own development in my decision to join the British Army this March. She has helped me throughout my journey.”
Amy’s colleague, Louise Ryder, Clinical Nurse Specialist, nominated her for the award.
She said: “Amy has a real passion for stoma care and is always looking for ways to expand her role to improve patient experience and outcomes.
“Amy believes strongly in staff education and teaches on new starter study days. She has also put herself forward to present at the West Midlands Stoma Nurse Conference to encourage and inform others.
“Amy also arranged and did a sponsored walk up Snowdon for Bowel Cancer UK where she raised almost £500. Amy is an excellent teacher, advocate, and role model for the department and all our patients sing her praises, as do we.”
ENDS
- For further information, please email Molly Aston at m.aston1@nhs.net
