STUDENT nurses will swap their scrubs for their glad rags for an awards ceremony.

Oxford Brookes University has its ‘fingers crossed’ after four of its nursing students and staff were shortlisted for accolades at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2017.

The group stood out among more than 400 other entrants and will get to go to a ceremony in London.

Head of the university’s nursing department Liz Westcott said: “We are excited to be shortlisted again for the awards and it is a testament to the hard work, dedication and achievements of our students and staff.

“We are up for three institutional awards this year too, and these recognise the quality of our provision at Oxford Brookes; not just our strong partnerships, but also for enabling our student nurses to gain experience and make a difference in a community setting, and also making it possible for qualified health care professionals to get back into the career they love.

“I wish everyone the very best of luck at the ceremony in April and we will have our fingers crossed.”

The awards celebrate student nurses for their academic achievements and clinical expertise, and also hail placement providers and universities for inspiring nurses of the future.

Rachel Esnouf has been shortlisted for student children’s nurse of the year, while lecturer Lorraine Whatley has been recognised for partnership of the year.

Senior lecturer Liz Jestico is up for course of the year for the ‘return to practice’ category, and the department’s community nursing scheme is also in with the chance of winning student placement of the year.

The ceremony takes place at the Hilton in Park Lane on April 27.