Jennifer Green, a learning disability nursing student at Edinburgh Napier University, has been named as Royal College of Nursing Student Ambassador of the Year at the 2025 RCN Congress in Liverpool.
Jennifer Green, or Jenna to those who know her, has been recognised by the RCN for demonstrating her passion to raise the student voice within the professional organisation. Judges praised her clear understanding about the issues nursing students are facing - and for giving a voice to nursing students, registered nurses and patients across Scotland within her Student Ambassador role.
Jenna is also Co- Chair of the Scottish Learning Disabilities Nurses Network, (Student Subgroup), and used both roles to help create a supportive student network at ENU, developing a vibrant nursing student community and instilling a sense of belonging.
Already active within her local RCN branch, she has thrown herself into ensuring students are supported fully, making sure everyone knows about and utilises the support, resources and benefits the RCN offers. Those who know Jenna describe her as an inspiration to her fellow Edinburgh Napier students, demonstrating leadership, professionalism, as well as mentoring her student peers and assisting with their academic and clinical experiences.
Her nominator praised her ‘friendly, outgoing, open and inclusive approach and the expertise and life experiences she brings as a mature student with a different cultural background.’
On being named as RCN Student Ambassador of the Year, Jenna said: “It is really special to receive this award at RCN Congress and to be recognised alongside so many inspiring RCN members.
"Studying learning disability nursing is a really positive experience but not without challenges and I am happy to do what I can to support my fellow students and promote the RCN.”
RCN Scotland Director Colin Poolman said: “This is a thoroughly deserved recognition for Jenna. Jenna blends her personality with her passion for nursing and the RCN, creating networking opportunities and leveraging these to support her fellow and future students, raise awareness of the RCN - recruiting new members, student ambassadors, and engage existing RCN members.
"She truly embodies her RCN ambassador role.”