ShinyMind Collaborates with Leading Universities to Combat Attrition Among Student Nurses and Midwives with New Student Edition
The new co-designed Student Edition of the ShinyMind app delivers real-life support and empowers student nurses, midwives, and trainee nursing associates with tools to support well-being and academic success.
ShinyMind, the mental health and wellbeing app co-created with the NHS, has partnered with Edge Hill University, University of Hertfordshire, Liverpool John Moores University and University of Roehampton to co-create a Student Edition which aim to support and empower university-level student nurses, midwives and trainee nursing associates with practical tools, exercises and signposting to additional student support resources.
Addressing Rising Attrition Rates and Mental Health Challenges Among Student Nurses
Following the successful launch of the ShinyMind Nursing Edition, co-developed through a two-year NHS England secondment from Dame Ruth May, a clear need emerged for further support tailored to student nurses, midwives, and trainee nursing associates to combat current attrition rates and improve retention. Many student nurses are struggling with mental health challenges, burnout, and exhaustion due to the high demands of their academic and clinical responsibilities. A survey conducted by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) revealed that almost half of student nurses have considered quitting before graduation, and the number due to start nursing courses is reducing year-on-year, further amplifying nursing staff shortages.
Introducing the ShinyMind Student LifePacks
In response, ShinyMind reached out to universities across England, inviting them to collaborate on a Student Edition of the app that would address these challenges. Edge Hill University, University of Hertfordshire, Liverpool John Moores University, and University of Roehampton joined forces with ShinyMind to form a stakeholder group consisting of nurse educators, students, ShinyMind’s Student NAB members, and Jess Sainsbury, Head of Nursing and Midwifery at the Florence Nightingale Foundation.
“This new Student Edition is designed to meet the real challenges that student nurses, midwives, and trainee nursing associates face today,” said Rebecca Howard, CEO and Founder of ShinyMind. “By collaborating with universities and listening to students themselves, we’ve created a resource that supports both their professional and personal well-being, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in a demanding field.”
The ShinyMind Student Edition provide students with practical help and advice to empower them as they navigate the complex environments, relationships, and responsibilities that come with their studies and clinical placements. The LifePacks include masterclasses on topics such as:
- “Had one of those days?” – psychological exercises to help students process their thoughts and emotions, refocus and find calm at the end of a challenging day.
- “Better Relationships,” – evidence-based listening and interactive exercises to help students build healthy relationships with friends, family members, colleagues and patients.
- “Being Assertive,” – to help students embark on their journey to greater and more productive assertiveness. Here they will explore how to identify their own needs and desires while also learning to listen to others.
- “Stress and Overwhelm,” – when things are getting a little too much, to press the pause button and deal with stress and overwhelming emotions.
- “Sleep Well,” – dedicated to helping students improve their sleep health and unwind after a busy day.
- “Own Your Voice – Speak Up with Confidence,” – where students can explore how to have brave conversations, build confidence and find their voice.
- “Restorative and Reflective Supervision,” – an exploration of restorative and reflective supervision practices that will help students deal with the emotional challenges they may face and develop reflective capabilities to enhance their development.
- “Student Survival Kit.” – practical advice, tips and guidance for starting university, studying, exam prep and preparing for clinical placements.
Students also gain access to over 150 tools and exercises to support their mental well-being, including resources on meditation, coping with anxiety, managing low mood, mindset development, breathing exercises, and self-compassion.
Benefits to Universities
For universities, partnering with ShinyMind on this initiative means being at the forefront of student support, boosting student satisfaction scores and engagement, and strengthening university rankings through a commitment to student wellbeing. Additionally, participating universities can expect higher retention rates, contributing positively to long-term outcomes for both students and the institution.
“ShinyMind is once again providing a resource that will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of the health and social care workforce, this time specifically students. We know that being a student nurse is hard; I am confident that this resource will help make things easier as an extra tool for your toolkit.” – Jess Sainsbury, Head of Nursing and Midwifery Engagement, Florence Nightingale Foundation
To learn more about the Student LifePacks and how your university can provide this support to student nurses, midwives, and trainee nursing associates, please contact hello@shinymind.co.uk.
About ShinyMind
ShinyMind delivers psychological development programmes proven to enhance self-awareness, improve relationships, and build confidence, with research showing staff 80% more likely to remain in the NHS as a result. All ShinyMind programmes are powered by the ShinyMind App, co-designed with the NHS to enhance wellbeing and positivity, benefitting both staff and the care they deliver to patients.
The ShinyMind Nursing Version is FREE to NHS nurses, midwives, and HCSWs in England, delivering 86% improved wellbeing, 30% less depression, 26% less anxiety, and £780 annual individual productivity savings.
Contact Information:
Megan McBride
Marketing Manager
07495009484