Cardiff School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies

Main Roles and Responsibilities

Associate Tutor (clinical skills)

Not aligned to any particular module rather involved in clinical skills facilitating.

Clinical Role Substantive Post

I am currently a deputy ward manager on East 10 Llandough hospital – an assessment ward caring for males over 65 who have a diagnosis of dementia.

I teach/facilitate clinical skills to both students and nursing staff. I am currently lead mentor for the ward and am involved in supporting mentors in practice.

I provide advice, education and support to health care professionals, our clients and their families regarding the holistic impact dementia has on an individual.

Career Overview

I completed my degree in psychology at Glamorgan University in 2001, followed by a PGDIP in psychology in 2002. I gained some experience as a nursing assistant at Whitchurch Hospital before gaining an RCN scholarship to enable me to complete a PGDIP (2004-2006) in Mental Health Nursing. Following a period as a staff nurse on an assessment ward for dementia I became a deputy ward manager on the same ward in 2008. In 2009 I obtained a RCN dementia scholarship to enable me to complete an MSC in nursing at Southampton University.

My MSC dissertation focused on the influence of family style dining on the nutritional status of those with dementia in nursing home or hospital settings. The findings of the dissertation were implemented into practice in both my clinical area and a local nursing home leading to improvements in patient outcomes.

Academic interests

I have a special interest in nurse education, mentorship and any research into dementia care. I also have an interest in the systematic review process and evidence based practice.