She spoke about the privilege of holding a dying man’s hand until he passed away, of realising her dream of becoming a nurse and the fantastic support Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust gave her as she strived towards the career she had always wanted.
Now Walsall Healthcare wants to honour the memory of much-loved Staff Nurse Areema Nasreen, who died in April this year after contracting Covid-19, by helping someone else to achieve their healthcare career goal.
We’re #WalsallandProud to work with the trust’s Professional Development Unit, HR and our Well Wishers charity to establish a Scholarship in Areema’s name which will be to financially benefit someone who is trying to reach their goal and needs a little extra help to do so.
Areema, a mother-of-three, had wanted to be a nurse since she was a teenager. She joined Walsall Healthcare as a housekeeper and never lost sight of her ambition.
She eventually became a Staff Nurse on Walsall Manor Hospital’s Acute Medical Unit and said: “I cry every morning because I’m so happy that I’ve finally realised my dream of becoming a nurse.
“I am so blessed to have this role and absolutely love it. I want to make a difference.”
Her colleagues said: “Everyone who met Areema, was fortunate enough to work with her or have their loved ones cared for by her describes how she could light up a room and was so compassionate, caring and positive.”
Walsall Healthcare Director of Nursing Ann-Marie Riley added: “Her determination and dedication was inspiring and Walsall Healthcare wants to keep her memory and spirit alive as well as do something to acknowledge what an asset she was to our organisation.
“We have spoken to her family and colleagues and feel that setting up a scholarship in her name would be a fitting way to do this. She truly made a difference in her work here and we want others with a similar commitment, dedication and passion to make a difference too.”
The scholarship is aimed at those who live within the Walsall borough who may be struggling with their financial or family situation or have other obstacles they need to overcome to achieve their dream of a healthcare career. It will offer a fully funded BSc in Nursing with HCSW salary whilst training, leading to a band 5 Staff Nurse post upon successful completion of the full time three year degree programme.
The application process is now open and runs until Monday 14 December and we’re asking people to tell us why they think they deserve this additional support. A member of Areema’s family will join the panel that considers all applications next month.
Lorna Kelly, Lead Nurse for Professional Development, added: “All applicants need to appreciate that this is an incredible opportunity. We need to have a real sense of their drive and passion from the application they make as this scholarship is aimed at those who would have made Areema proud to call them a colleague.”
For details of how to apply to be considered for this very special scholarship please email AreemasDream@walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk