• Bolton Apprentice Student Nursing Associate shortlisted for Student Nursing Times Award
• Maxine Brennan is a finalist in the Student Nursing Associate of the Year category
• Nomination highlights Maxine’s dedication and exceptional contributions to SHINE service

An Apprentice Student Nursing Associate at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bolton is a finalist at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2025.

Maxine Brennan, who works for SHINE, the Trust’s sexual and reproductive health service, has been shortlisted in the Student Nursing Associate of the Year category.

In the nomination, Maxine was praised for being a “dedicated student nursing associate who goes above the beyond to provide an exceptional contribution to the team.”

Maxine said it was a big surprise to receive the nomination:

I’m really proud, not just for myself but also proud for sexual health. It can be little unknown within NHS healthcare as don’t need it until you need it. It’s really positive that we’re able to showcase the work we do through this nomination.

“I love this role as we’re able to educate and providing evidence-based choices to patients that are right for them, helping them to feel empowered. I’m always inspired by the nurses and clinicians that I work with for the support they provide, encouraging and welcoming our services users. It’s the most rewarding role ever done.

“I don’t have enough good things to say about apprenticeships, I wouldn’t change a single thing. I’ll eventually become a Registered Nurse, but doing Student Nursing Associate will make me a better nurse for it.

“It’s enabled me to find the gaps in my knowledge and experience and to focus on gaining exposure in those areas. I’ve been able to work with other community teams and pick up skills that I can bring back to sexual health and share that learning with colleagues.

“I’ve felt encouraged every step of the way with my mentors and colleagues pushing me to reach my full potential and supporting me on my career journey. I’m proud of how Bolton welcomes the Student Nursing Associate role and grateful for the doors it has opened for me.

The nomination also highlighted: “She is passionate about providing education about sexual health and has completed extra training to become competent in microscopy. This enables Maxine to provide essential support amongst a team of dedicated professionals that provide same day testing and results for sexually transmitted infections. Maxine’s dedication and commitment to further improving her clinical skills and knowledge enables more patients to have access to the same day testing service which improves patient outcomes.”

The annual Student Nursing Times Awards honour the outstanding achievements of the upcoming generation of nurses and their mentors.

Nannette Gallagher-Ball, Senior Nurse Educator at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

Maxine is a credit to the Apprentice Student Nursing Associate programme. Whilst being forward thinking, organised and pro-active she is also an amazing support for her peers, and regularly shares her knowledge and skills gained with her peers.

“It has been a privilege to support Maxine through her development and career, and I looking forward to watching her career develop and grow within the Nursing workforce.

The winners will be announced on Friday 2 May 2025 in a ceremony at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London.