Sign of the times - Stephen's story

Like Julie Roberts (see 'Sign of the times - Julie's story'), Stephen Prydderch from Mold has been shortlisted in the Educator of the Year category in the Student Nursing Times Awards 2019. Like Julie, he is also a former Bangor University student who has returned to his alma mater as a lecturer, albeit based at the institution’s Wrexham campus. Unlike Julie, however, Stephen always had one eye on a career in education. 

“It’s something I always wanted to do,” says Stephen, 34, now a Lecturer in Adult Nursing having worked in a variety of primary care nursing positions in the Wrexham area for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. “As an undergraduate, I was extremely passionate about education. I absolutely loved studying. With 10 years’ experience under my belt in nursing, I thought it was time that I shared some of that knowledge with nurses of the future.” 

That was at the beginning of 2017. Since then he’s been nominated for the prestigious Queen’s Nurse award last year and now, 12 months on, is up for a Student Nursing Times Award.  

“I took on the position of Director of Student Engagement at the university last year because I wanted to work closer to and in partnership with students,” says Stephen. “I suspect that might be one reason why students have nominated me for the award. 

“My teaching can be slightly different from what you might call traditional classroom teaching. I like to be innovative and will often incorporate modern technology through which students can enjoy and engage in my lectures. I’m also someone who’s very passionate about community nursing, and I’d like to think that comes across in my teaching  

“Being shortlisted for this award is a real honour particularly given the calibre and expertise of the other nominees, including my colleague Julie. It’s also marvellous to see so many from Wales shortlisted in the different categories, especially considering there was an unprecedented number of entrants this year from across the UK. I would like to wish the very best of luck to all of those nominated for awards.”