CQU nursing students won 2 out of the 6 prestigious Queensland nursing awards up for grabs last week.

CQU Bundaberg third-year nursing student James Ukena won first prize worth $1000 for his essay submitted to Queensland Cancer Fund's prestigious Alf Kretschmar Award.

James’ essay titled 'Grieving: Lessons with those with Cancer and their Families' includes his personal experiences with coordinating a Relay for Life team and dealing with a close relative’s diagnosis with cancer.

“It’s not always easy to face the mortality of your loved ones. I attempted to offer my perspective on a subject that touches everyone in the community and have been grateful for the recognition,” James said.

Second-year student from Rockhampton Jacki Kolbe also won a merit prize in the Alf Kretschmar Award worth $150.

Head of the School of Nursing and Health Studies Lorna Moxham said: “CQU nursing students obviously were doing very well ... it’s great to know that 2 of the 6 prizes awarded went to our students”.

The Alf Kretschmar Award invites essays from Queensland enrolled nurses, student nurses and assistants-in-nursing focusing on the theme 'Caring for the Person with Cancer – A Positive Experience'.

The late Alf Kretschmar was the first Field Officer with the Queensland Cancer Fund. For 12 years, his anti-cancer education programs reached people in cities and remote outback towns throughout the State. This award stands in the memory of Alf Kretschmar so that his work continues.

As part of first prize James will receive a return flight to Brisbane to attend the Annual Oncology Nurses Group Conference at the Hilton Hotel on November 13 and 14, 2006.

Photo: James Ukena is pictured with his wife Helen and son Jaydee.