Biography

BA (Hons), MSc, RNLD, SCLD, PCTHE, TCH, SFHEA.

I am an experienced Registered Nurse (Learning Disabilities) (RNLD; SCLD) (NMC), qualified nurse lecturer (PCTHE; TCH; SFHEA) and masters-level graduate (MSc) with varied clinical, teaching and management experience, with strong communication and information technology skills.

Registered Learning Disability Nurse 1994 (United Kingdom).

Registered Nurse 2011 (New Zealand) retired.

I graduated from Oxford Brookes University with the DipHe Nursing (1994) and Learning Disability Nurse (RNLD) qualification. I was awarded a BAHons (Luton) (1999) and qualified as Specialist Practitioner – Community Learning Disabilities Nursing (1999) ( Oxfordshire Learning Disability NHS Trust ) and became a Senior Lecturer in Learning Disability Nursing (2000 to 2011) ( Oxford Brookes University UK).

I attained the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education (PCTHE) (Brookes, 2003), where I had the fortunate opportunity to develop my skills in using C&IT in teaching and learning; and soon became an enthusiast promoting e-learning throughout the school. I was recognised with an Oxford Brookes University Associate Teaching Fellow award. I then completed a Master of Science in eLearning in Professional Education, 2010 awarded by Oxford Brookes University (UK).

I began working for Oxfordshire Learning Disability NHS Trust/ Ridgeway Partnership in October 1994 where I enjoyed working in a variety of nursing posts (please refer to my Resume for role descriptions). I remained with the organisation until October 2009. Where I left to undertake a full time post in Higher Education at Oxford Brookes University

My family moved to New Zealand in January 2012. I spent my first six months working for the Capital and Coast District Health Board as staff nurse for Te Korowai-Whāriki , a national secure forensic intellectual disability inpatient and ‘step-down’ service working within Hikitia Te Wairua Youth ID Secure Service for youth aged 12-18. Services provide hospital level secure assessment service for acute assessment from courts. The main focus of this role, providing high quality nursing care for the patient/client/whanau; role modelling professional, educational and preceptorship behaviours; and demonstrating leadership qualities and being responsibility for patient safety.

I spent my remaining time working for Victoria University of Wellington. I worked in the Centre for Academic Development as a Lecturer in e-Learning. The main focus of my role was supporting the network of faculty-based digital teaching technology staff (Contacts for Academic Technology) ; promoting the use of technology and supporting academics working with technology in their teaching and developing staff support resources.

In January 2014 my family and I returned to the UK. I worked at De Montfort University teaching on the BSc nursing programme in the School of Nursing and Midwifery . In September 2014, I took on the role of Interim Academic lead for the Learning Disability Nursing Field of Practice. This exciting role provides an opportunity to champion Learning Disability throughout the curriculum and beyond. Liaising with colleagues across the university and our practice partners and commissioners to ensure learning disability nurses are equipped to meet the diverse range of needs of the population we nurse. I was successful in securing the permanent role of Subject Lead in April 2016. I undertook the role of Admissions Tutor - Undergraduate Nursing (academic year 2015-16) where within the Admissions Tutor team I provided training and support to staff and academics involved in decision making to ensure the Student Admissions Policy and underpinning procedures are consistently applied across the Programme and wider School. Shared responsibility for for providing detailed information about current course content and determining entry requirements and assessment processes for the undergraduate nursing programme. Edited the presentation materials for Open Days and prospectus entries. Assisted colleagues with the completion of equality assessment for each course as part of the validation process. Be involved in discussions with Admissions Managers to review in consultation with academic staff from within the School and wider faculty. Assist with the short listing and assessing applications, involvement in interviews/auditions and/or portfolio reviews and decision making. I was co-coordinator for the learning Disability Contract for Learning Disability Nurse Education across Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire which commenced in September 2016. I also lead coordination of the annual Learning Disability Day, held in De Montfort University .

In May 2018 I took on a further role as Academic Practice Officer, where I investigate allegations of academic misconduct, I provide guidance and impose penalties as appropriate.

In 2018 I took on a new role, Lecturer in Nursing, Learning Disabilities at The Open University. This exciting role is focused on developing and delivering the pre-registration learning disabilities nursing programme via distance learning. In this role my priority is embedding Learning Disability Nursing theory and practice within the curriculum. I am a member of the Social History of Learning Disability and Nursing research groups. In 2019 I became a member of the university Safeguarding Referrals team. In March 2020 I became module team chair for module K*210, a stage 2 module on the Future Nurse Curriculum. In November 2020 I was appointed in the role of Field lead - Learning Disabilities.

During my years as a registered nurse I have developed a specialist interest in the health needs of people with a learning/ intellectual disability in particular those individuals who have Profound Intellectual and/or Multiple Disabilities (PIMD/ PMLD). I am a and member of the Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities [PMLD] core group and formerly an 'International Champion' for the Mencap (UK) PMLD Network. I was also a member of the PMLD Network Oxfordshire and the PPMLD Network Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Better lives PPMLD group.

In October 2020 I commenced doctoral studies my focus will be towards people with Profound Intellectual and/or Multiple Disabilities. I can't say any more at the moment as I don't want to unduly influence potential participants.

Professional affiliation

Resume