I trained as a Paediatric nurse at Edge Hill University, qualifying with a diploma in children's nursing in August 2004. Following the completion of the nursing programme I was presented with the opportunity to undertake a North West Neonatal Induction programme, This entailed working between Arrowe Park and the Liverpool Women's Neonatal units were I gained experience in SCBU, HDU and ITU. As part of the programme I also completed theoretical aspects in relation to neonatal care which were held at St ,Marys Hospital in Manchester. Following this I commenced as a band 5 then 6 staff nurse at the Liverpool Women's Hospital. Here I rotated between ITU and HDU caring for some of the sickest babies in the country. Some of which required Oscillation, Ventilation, CPAP and Nitric Oxide. I was a responsible room leader and an efficient neonatal nurse who attended deliveries for those infants born with complications. I was also competent in Neonatal Life Support and utilised theses skills in various locations. I was a student mentor and buddy to newly qualified staff.
In 2010 I embarked on a career in the community and was successful in undertaking an Associate nurse position where I worked amongst a health visiting and school nursing team in Dovecot, Liverpool. Here my responsibilities included immunisation clinics for scheduled/non scheduled babies and children, baby clinics, school health drop in sessions and developmental assessments. I completed home visiting, learning the fundamental skills that are essential for health visiting. It was here I recognised that health visiting was a passion and in 2011 I came to LJMU and completed the Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN) Degree in the field of Health visiting.
In 2012 I qualified as a SCPHN in the field of health visiting and was successful in post within the borough of Knowsley. Here I spent 4 years working in Whiston and 5 years in North Huyton/Stockbridge Village. I was a caseload holder of 300& children and had a variety of responsibilities all fitting of working within a vulnerable and deprived areas. Safeguarding and attending safeguarding meetings was the most prominent role however other responsibilities included new baby/6-8 week visits, developmental assessments, referrals into multiple services and supporting parental mental health. Team working was paramount and I was lucky to work within incredible teams. I continued to mentor students both from pre registration and SCPHN and relished the opportunity to share learning and to teach.
Despite my love for health visiting teaching remained a desire. During the pandemic I was offered a secondment in the Practice Education Team in Merseycare where I learned the essential skills relating to the PAD and student support in practice.
In 2022 a position became available in LJMU to work in the newly developed Lecturer in Practice Learning team. Here I worked as part of a small team to establish PIVO placements within the local community. This entailed working with charities, schools and the local council in establishing placements that would offer incredible opportunities for the students who undertake them. Whilst in the team I also began to teach and in 2023 I was successful in obtaining a senior lecturer in child nursing post. Teaching is what I had aspired to do for many years and as a lecturer and module lead I am able to develop sessions that emphasise my love of nursing alongside the evidence required.
I am a compassionate person who is passionate about nursing education. I thoroughly enjoy teaching and relish the opportunity to share clinical experiences with students. I have great pleasure in supporting student nurses through the programme and enhancing their knowledge and skills to enable them to develop to their full potential. As a lecturer my key areas include complex care of paediatric patients, family centered care and safeguarding and domestic abuse.
I have recently completed my Post Graduate Certificate in Education and I am currently undertaking a masters in Education.
Degrees
2012, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, BA hons Specialist Community Public Health Nursing/Health visiting
2012, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, Non medical prescriber
2004, Edge Hill University, United Kingdom, Diploma in Childrens nursing
Academic appointments
Senior Child Nursing Lecturer, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool John Moores University, 2022 - present
Postgraduate training
PGCert, United Kingdom, Liverpool John Moores University, 2022 - 2023