GCU student named RCN Nursing Student of the Year
Glasgow Caledonian University nursing student Connall Green has been named Nursing Student of the Year at the 2026 RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards.
Connall, originally from Kirkintilloch, is in the later stages of his Adult Nursing degree at GCU. His award recognises his outstanding commitment to the profession, his inspiring personal journey into nursing, and his dedication to compassionate, person-centred patient care.
Connall entered nursing through an unconventional route. At 25, he embarked on a fresh career path by enrolling in the SWAP Nursing course at Glasgow Kelvin College. Encouraged by the supportive community he found there, he decided to join his classmates in applying to Glasgow Caledonian University − even though it was later than the usual application period. He applied via Clearing in 2023, something he describes as transformative.
“Applying to GCU through Clearing was the best decision I ever made,” Connall said. “I’d really implore anyone to join nursing at Glasgow Caledonian University − it has fantastic facilities, staff and an absolutely brilliant curriculum.”
Connall’s ambition to enter healthcare was shaped by his own experiences as a patient. After being diagnosed with epilepsy in January 2022, he was deeply moved by the care he received from nurses and felt compelled to make the same kind of difference for others.
“Being in hospital and witnessing the compassion, skill and dedication of nurses set me on a new path,” he explained. “I wanted to help people the way I had been helped − to really make a difference.”
He is also motivated by his role as a father and hopes to inspire his young daughter through his achievements.
“I have an eight-year-old daughter, and I wanted to show her that she can achieve anything she puts her mind to. Jobs don’t have genders, and it’s never too late to change careers.
“Another thing that I hold dear to my heart is the time that I have spent volunteering with Glasgow Street Aid alongside my studies. Part of my nomination was due to my volunteering with the pre-hospital medical and welfare charity.”
Dr Val Ness, Head of Department of Nursing, Community and Public Health, said: “Everyone in the Department at Glasgow Caledonian University is extremely proud of Connall’s achievement in winning this prestigious award. His commitment to compassionate, person-centred care, alongside the determination he has shown throughout his journey into nursing, is truly inspiring.”
The RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards, now in their fourth year, celebrate outstanding nursing across the country − from hospitals and community teams to prisons, care homes, the military and beyond. This year’s finalists represented the breadth of nursing excellence across Scotland’s health and social care services.
Julie Lamberth, RCN Scotland Board Chair, said: “Our Awards are a defining moment in the nursing calendar − a time to celebrate everything that makes our profession extraordinary in Scotland. Every one of our finalists stands as a shining example of the dedication, compassion and commitment that drive the very best of nursing care.”
The winners were announced at a ceremony on April 30 at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.