‘Singing nursing student’ wins award for boosting profile of profession

Brittany McArthur recognised by university for demonstrating compassion

A nursing student whose care was praised after video footage of her singing at a patient’s bedside went viral has won an award.

Brittany McArthur, a recent graduate of Ulster University’s adult nursing programme, received the university’s Discretionary Award for Outstanding Contribution to Nursing.

Ms McArthur said it was ‘a shock’ to hear about the accolade.  

‘I was not expecting anything, so it was a nice way to end my three years of training,’ she said.

Video of nursing student was widely shared on social media

In May, video footage of Ms McArthur, who was originally unaware she was being filmed, showed her singing Amazing Grace with patient Nellie Barr.

The video, taken at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry, was viewed more than 100,000 times, shared 1,000 times and received 2,800 likes after just a few days, and was reported by news outlets around the globe.

‘Unique contribution of nursing’

Ms McArthur’s award recognises a student who has raised the profile of the school of nursing at Ulster University, and who has highlighted nursing’s role in the health and well-being of the population.

Ulster University head of the school of nursing and professor of nursing and palliative care, Sonja McIlfatrick, said: ‘By her actions, Brittany clearly demonstrated the unique contribution of nursing and compassion as a student of Ulster University.’

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