Bedfordshire’s Mutsa Chitate, who is studying Adult Nursing, was selected for the role from a huge number of applications, and joins seven other student nurses from universities across England, who cover the adult, child, mental health and learning disabilities fields of nursing.

Nursing Times is the most-visited nursing website in Europe and Mutsa’s new role will see her representing student nurses from across the country through sharing her experiences, engaging with other students through social media, and writing thought pieces about healthcare and education policy.

Another key role Mutsa will fulfill throughout the 2021-22 academic year, is attending Nursing Times Careers Live events and the Student Nursing Times Awards ceremony next year. Having wanted to pursue a career in nursing since completing her GCSE’s, Mutsa says she is thrilled to have secured this role:

“I am delighted to have been chosen to become a Nursing Times student editor as it allows me to have an opportunity to be a part of something that is bigger than myself and have the responsibility of empowering future nurses in my generation across the globe. It will give me the opportunity to enhance the skills I already have and also gain new ones as I challenge myself in different ways.

“In taking this role, I aim to take readers on a journey of the reality of being a student nurse – the highs and lows and the achievements and failures that will ultimately shape us into becoming excellent nurses in both our professional and personal lives.”

About how she came to study at Bedfordshire, she said: “After finishing my GCSEs, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field but I couldn't decide what to do. All I knew was that I wanted to be a part of a profession that would allow me to be of service to people and make a difference in their lives – something practical and knowledge-based which would challenge me to think on my feet and allow me to progress in my career. Subsequently, nursing became that career.”

Dr Sally Boyle, Head of the School of Nursing & Health Education, added: “I am thrilled to hear that Mutsa has been selected by the Nursing Times to be a student editor over the coming year. This is a fantastic opportunity for Mutsa to be able to inspire the next generation of nurses and to show other students that everyone has the potential to have a voice. 

“It is also a great pleasure to see a Nursing student from the University of Bedfordshire being recognised in this way. In the School of Nursing & Health Education we look forward to reading about Mutsa's experiences as a second year student nurse– her fellow students and academic staff are very proud of her.”

Mutsa’s selection as one of Nursing Times’ student editors is testament to the high quality teaching, engagement and practical work being carried out by the University’s School of Nursing & Health Education. With courses including Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing and Children and Young People’s Nursing, the School works tirelessly to train and support the key workers of tomorrow.

Read Mutsa’s first article here: www.nursingtimes.net/students/overcome-your-fears-to-build-confidence-08-12-2021/