I trained as a registered adult branch nurse with Staffordshire University and went on to practice within an Intensive Care Unit of a rural hospital. I began my teaching career while still in practice and took an active role in initiating a recognised training programme for Health Care Assistants within the hospital trust. In 2007 I moved to a full time teaching post with the then Faculty of Health Sciences of Staffordshire University teaching predominantly pre-registration nursing. Whilst still working for Staffordshire University, School of Health and Social Care, my role has continued to evolve and includes teaching and working with students who have already gained qualifications and registration with the various health related professional bodies but wish to develop further.
Professional memberships and activities
Nursing and Midwifery Council
Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Academic qualifications
Higher Education Academy - Senior Fellowship
MA Higher and Professional Education (Merit)
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing practice (1st Class Hons)
Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Distinction)
Expertise
Adult nursing care and practice, critical care nursing, surgical and medical based care
Leadership within health care settings
Research methods
Post registration mentorship for health care professionals
Student retention
Research interests
I have a keen interest in research in a number of areas -
The role of the personal tutor and the impact upon students
Student support – academic and pastoral
Student retention – how it can be enhanced
Understanding the student experience while in Higher Education
Teaching
I currently teach a range of subjects and skills to a broad range of students, both pre-registration and post registration nursing and health care professionals.
Key subjects include, leadership, mentorship, clinical skills, preparation for clinical practice plus others
Publications
- Boath, E., Jinks, A., Thomas, N., Thompson, J., O’Connell, P. & Taylor, L. (2016) Don’t go with the Flo – a student mobile texting service to enhance nursing student retention. Nurse Education Today, 45, pp 80 – 86.