The apprentice nurse with 'unique strengths' who has been shortlisted for a national award

Sarah Wilson, 28, grew up in South Shields and now lives in Sunderland. She was a month into her four-year degree apprenticeship, when she was diagnosed as autistic when she was aged 25.

Now Sarah is on the shortlist in the Student Nursing Times Awards 2026, and said: “It’s absolutely brilliant. I never thought I’d get that, at all.

“Getting to where I am shows what is possible as an apprentice nurse. I never thought I would be able to get to this point, given the low rate of employment of autistic individuals.”

Sarah works in the Easington North Community Mental Health team, part of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

She says she had always known she was different but hadn’t pursued an autism diagnosis before as she felt it fell outside of “social norms”.

She said she needs a lot of personal and external support to manage academic demands and clinical practice. It helps her to face challenges such as sensory overload and autistic burnout.

“The NHS trust I work at has been brilliant with adjustments, as I have had to adapt to many changes throughout the programme of different placements,”

“I’ve always been upfront with people on how I communicate, as sometimes I can appear blunt when communicating directly.”

While Sarah faces challenges as a neurodivergent nurse, her neurotype also brings benefits, and she says traits such as having a strong attention for detail make her a better nurse.

She said: “I believe I can see subtle changes that others may miss. This means I can address things earlier with patients. I’ve been given lovely feedback on this.

“Because I have lived experience, I feel I form a better connection with patients. It means I can provide more patient-centred and empathetic care, due to me knowing the struggles they may be encountering.

“I have a heightened sense of social justice and empathy. This can make me an exceptional patient advocate.

“I can also be really good at creative problem solving in crisis situations. I am also a creative thinker.”

Many of her colleagues have remarked on her growth in confidence and now Sarah is encouraging other neurodivergent people looking for a career in nursing.

“Don’t doubt your ability! If you have a goal go for it. With the right support, adjustments and team around you, you’ll flourish. Your lived experience is invaluable.”

Bernadette Wallace, senior nurse practice placement facilitator, said: “Sarah is an exceptional nursing apprentice, she is kind, compassionate and courageous.”

During her apprenticeship, Sarah has volunteered to encourage school aged young people to consider a career in nursing.

Bernadette said: “The pupils responded well to Sarah due to her friendly and approachable manner and ability to articulate a positive perspective of the nursing profession. I am sure that she has inspired some potential future nurses.”

Alongside the Nursing Times nomination, Sarah has also been nominated for Apprentice of the year at the University of Sunderland awards.

Sarah will be attending the Nursing Times award ceremony in London on April 24.