Winter Graduation Newsletter 2016 - Swansea University

College of Human and Health Sciences Graduation Newsletter - January 2015

Graduation Newsletter 2015

Congratulations C

ongratulations to all our students receiving awards from Swansea University this year. You have all worked hard to get to this point; hours of studying, burning the midnight oil to deliver assignments on time, the stress of examinations and for some attending work-based placements. Graduation is a time of pride and celebration in higher education and the College of Human and Health Sciences has much to celebrate, with students completing courses across a wide range of academic subjects and professional programmes. The staff are committed to ensuring that we deliver teaching that is both research-led and practice-driven and take great pride in knowing the contribution our students will make to society, locally, nationally and, for some, internationally. These are challenging times in which to be entering the world of work, but you can have confidence that your award from Swansea provides a positive start as you begin the next phase of your lives. Some of you may choose to continue your studies immediately or may choose to come back to us in years to come – we warmly welcome our former students back into the fold for postgraduate and research studies, and have a raft of options to enable you to develop further knowledge and skills for work or for more personal development. Whatever you choose to do we wish you every success in your future careers.

Professor Ceri Phillips Head of College


Q&A with Hywel Dda Outstanding Achievement Award winner: Angharad Thomas Angharad Thomas, 41 from Fishguard, graduated today with two terrific achievements; a First Class Honours in BN Nursing, and the Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Outstanding Student Award. Here she tells us about her course, what she is doing now, and how she feels about winning the award! What did you do prior to studying at Swansea University? “I enrolled on an Access to Health Course in Pembrokeshire College, studying part-time over two years, to give me the necessary qualifications to apply for my nursing degree. I did this alongside working in the Histology Department in Withybush Hospital, where I had worked for eight years.” Why did you choose to study at Swansea University? “It was a well-structured course that suited myself and my family. It also offered me the opportunity to study nursing at the St David’s Park Carmarthen campus, which was closer to home.” Can you tell us about your course? “The course was over three years and consisted of a combination of block modules, with a mix of academic and

clinical placements. Each academic module would usually be relevant to the next clinical placement in order to put theory into practice, and had a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice.”

Angharad

What part of the course did you enjoy the most? “I mostly enjoyed going into clinical practice as it was ‘hands on’. I was able to transfer my academic knowledge into practical skills and expand my experience and confidence in a clinical area. This was definitely my comfort zone.” What’s been your highlight whilst studying at Swansea University? “Highlights would definitely be completing the course and receiving my First Class Honours degree. And also meeting some fantastic people that have completed the journey alongside me, who will remain my friends for life.” What are your hopes for the future? “My plans at present are to continue to expand my knowledge in my current employment and to take every opportunity to improve my personal development. For my future progression I would hope to eventually specialise and am looking forward to exploring my

Thomas

interests further.” Would you recommend Swansea University to other students? “I would definitely recommend Swansea University. The courses are well structured and there are some fantastic tutors. Facilities are really good, such as the library, and are easily accessible.” How do you feel about winning this award? “I was absolutely shocked, delighted and very proud when notified about the award. I have been blessed to have some wonderful mentors within my placements that inspired and encouraged my journey. The mentor that nominated me for this award gave me support, guidance and encouragement 100% of the time. She always identified learning opportunities for me and I thank her for supporting and inspiring me to challenge myself in my new career. Having this award is the icing on the cake!”


Nicholas Weaver: The first ever Mental Health Nurse to win the Margaret Perry Award The Margaret Perry Award for outstanding achievement in nursing, has today been received by a Mental Health Nursing graduate for the first time.

Therapeutic Day Service. It was a great experience to assist clients with talking therapies.”

Nicholas Weaver, from Llanelli, today graduated from Swansea University with a first class honours in his BN Mental Health Nursing degree, joining a list of seven Adult Nursing graduates who have received the Margaret Perry award since its inception in 2007.

Nick now plans to go into either research, or continue as a full time psychiatric nurse, with an emphasis on talking therapies.

Beginning his studies as a mature student with a background in computer science research and having worked as a support worker in a housing organisation, Nick chose to study at Swansea University’s College of Human and Health Sciences due to the quality of the University and its location. He said: “I would recommend Swansea University because it guides you properly into the chosen field of expertise and gives you the freedom to pursue your interests with some degree of autonomy. “I most enjoyed the literature review which I did about nurse therapists in psychotherapy. This was a great experience in research for me, and I was able on successfully completing my placement to experience nurse therapy in action at a

Ana Winston e

Nicholas Wea ver

He said: “I am very happy to receive this award. I certainly worked hard for my degree and put my best effort in. The award is confirmation that I have developed good practices and approaches to research and study. It is also a great

affirmation from the academic team towards me as a student. “I would also like to thank my wife, Zoe, who supported me throughout the degree, and without whom I would not have been able to achieve the standards requisite for this award.”

Hywel Thomas, Senior Lecturer at the College of Human and Health Sciences and Nick’s personal tutor said: “During his time as a student on the pre-registration mental health nursing programme, Nick always displayed a professional attitude, and acted as a supportive peer to fellow students. Nick remained true to these values both in practice and also in his written assignments. Nick’s writing is of an excellent quality, challenging and critical. He has been a pleasure to teach. “Most importantly he has a clear patient-centred vision, and a passion for mental health nursing. Nick’s passion continues to thrive, and since qualifying he has already organised and set up a relaxation group within his current workplace. On behalf of myself, as personal tutor, and colleagues within the mental health team we wish him well in his future career.”


Midwifery Award and a Degree for Dairy Farming Sian A double celebration for Sian Evans, 31, from Whitland, today saw her graduate with a 2:1 from her BMid Midwifery degree, as well as receiving Swansea University’s Myfanwy McAteer Award. The Myfanwy McAteer award is awarded annually to the BMid Midwifery student who has shown outstanding commitment, dedication and personal achievement. Prior to studying at Swansea, Sian - a mother of two who runs a dairy farm alongside her husband - worked as a Health Care Support Worker in Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest. Deciding to take the step into Midwifery, she embarked on an Access course in Pembrokeshire College in order to gain her grades to apply to university. Sian said: “The midwifery degree is a very demanding and intense course. It needed pure dedication and hard work to get through it. If you are hungry enough for it you will work for it, whatever it takes. “I look back now and think ‘how on earth did I manage it all’, but the tutors are truly fantastic along with the placement mentors. I had such fantastic placements I did most of my training at Withybush, it was such a fantastic unit with such dedicated midwives who really showed the true meaning of team work;

they are all very special people. “I’m a worker and being on placement with the women is where I felt I excelled. I loved every second of it, knowing that you have made a small difference to someone is so rewarding. Having the opportunity to experience different types of placements was also fantastic and enhanced my learning.”

Sian

Since leaving the course, Sian secured a job in Glangwili hospital in October 2014, and is currently expecting her third baby! Her dream is to be based in the community or on the midwife-led unit in the future. She said: “I am thoroughly enjoying my new job and look forward to developing my knowledge, skills and providing high quality midwifery care to women and their families. I am expecting my third baby in April, so I will be very busy. Therefore I will be taking a break from midwifery but will return and hope to gain as much experience as possible.” Susanna Darra, Head of Midwifery Education at Swansea University, said: “If you asked Sian’s mentors in practice why she deserved to be nominated for the Myfanwy McAteer award, they would tell you about a student midwife who developed

Evan

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from a shy, self-conscious health care support worker into a kind, compassionate midwife…one whom all her mentors would gladly have working on their shift, or in their team. In practice, Sian was not only totally reliable but also a grafter; a student who would forfeit her tea break to help out a colleague or provide care for women and families. “If you asked the women whom Sian has cared for they would tell you how she made them feel at ease with her gentle manner and willingness to support them in their birth choices. The ability to gain trust from women to make them feel safe is an essential skill in midwifery practice and one that came very easy to Sian. “If you asked her teachers, they would tell a story of a very dedicated and extremely hard working student who did not really relish the academic work, but who always did her best and was grateful for any support she received.

Graduation Newsletter 2015 Suzanne Darra concluded: “Sian is a worthy winner of this year’s Myfanwy McAteer award and it is a prize not just for her but also for her everyone who has witnessed her diligence and determination; her children and extended family, her midwife mentors and all the midwifery teaching team.” Sian concluded: “Receiving the Myfanwy McAteer Award was a complete surprise - I was so shocked that I was even considered for the award. It is a great honour and I am truly touched. Winning an award like this doesn’t happen to people like me, my hard work and determination has obviously paid off. I would like to dedicate the award to my husband for his constant encouragement and support, my two daughters which will hopefully show them that anything can be achieved with hard work and determination. And last but not least my dear late mother in law who was a constant support and believed in me and without her I would have not been able to begin my journey of becoming a midwife.”

Q&A with Mental Health Nurse Rebecca Roberts, who now has her dream job! What did you do prior to studying at Swansea University? “I studied at a Welsh Comprehensive School, Ysgol Gyfun Llanharri before completing a BTEC National Diploma in Sorts science and excellence.” Why did you choose to study at Swansea University? “While at College, I volunteered with a group of people who suffered with learning disabilities which I found very rewarding. This inspired me to become a nurse and help people to make a difference to their life.” Can you tell us about your course? “It was an interesting course with different speakers who made it interesting and real. I had a range of placements which I was very grateful for and I received good support from lecturers who were very helpful and always there if you needed something.”

What part of the course did you enjoy the most? “I enjoyed learning more about Mental Health and how the NHS and private companies are trying to develop their wards and facilities. Another highlight was the placements – I had a placement in Brecon and stayed there for 6 weeks. I found it very beneficial.”

Rebecc

What’s been your highlight whilst studying at Swansea University? “Definitely completing the course with a second class honours, helping patients with their care and getting my dream job after all the hard work.

What are your plans/hopes for the future? “I plan to remain in PICU for the next year and do as much relevant training as I can. When I’m ready I’d like to go back to Swansea and study a masters in CBT or family therapy, and maybe one day do my nurse

a Rob erts

prescribing course” Would you recommend Swansea University to other students? “Yes, I have already recommended it to friends who have applied for next year. I’ve had an amazing three years in Swansea! I’ve had very supportive lectures and gained so many friends over the years.“


From Health Care Support Worker to First Class Mental Health Nurse Samantha Glennie, from Lampeter, has today been awarded with a First Class degree in Mental Health Nursing, for her outstanding studies at Swansea University. Coming to University as a mature student, with a career as a Health Care Support Worker behind her, Sam, 41, at first doubted her ability to achieve academically. She said: “I worked for the National Health Service, as a Health Care Support Worker, on an adult acute inpatient unit for individuals experiencing severe mental health issues. “The nurses I worked alongside encouraged me to do my nurse training and Swansea University was convenient and offered the degree course in Mental Health Nursing. “The tutors were extremely supportive in every aspect of my learning and the course

offered every opportunity to gain valuable knowledge which I now require as a newly qualified Mental Health Nurse.” In particular, Samantha felt that she benefitted from an opportunity to travel to Cornwall with a surf therapy organisation to spend time with individuals participating in a Surf Therapy Session. She said:“There was plenty of encouragement to seek our own individual learning opportunities outside of the curriculum. “My tutors supported and encouraged me to participate in the surf therapy study, so I could bring my experience back to the University to share with the cohort. It was whilst I was involved with the sessions I gained an insight into the impact that the therapy had on the children participating, and learning how they were no longer children with issues in their school play grounds but they were surfers!”

Sam concluded: “I am now, having finished my degree course, employed by my local health board in a role offering support to individuals experiencing mental health issues. I hope to be able to go on and gain further qualifications and training in a range of interventions. “I hope to support as many individuals as possible through their recovery from mental health issues so that they can gain the quality of life that they want to achieve. “Having taken on the degree as a mature student, doubting my ability to be able to achieve academically to degree standard, I managed to gain a first in my degree. I am extremely proud of this and wish to thank the support and encouragement of all at Swansea University in enabling me to excel way past my expectations.”

“Sam has been an excellent mental health nursing student, with fantastic reports from practice mentors and managers. Her willingness and interest to innovate has been outstanding, and always related to improving patient care. “Sam’s creativity and interest in combining work with the voluntary and mental health sector has encouraged staff and service users to engage in alternative treatments. She is a full supporter of recovery principles in mental health, and has championed eco-therapy (nature based treatments that promote inclusion) with service users and staff. We wish Sam well in her future career and look forward to hearing about her further innovations.” Julia Terry, Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing

Graduation Newsletter 2015 Lisa’s pioneering work helps children and young people through play A Swansea University student who has pioneered a way of helping children in hospital to understand their own medical procedures through play has achieved academic success. Lisa Morgan from Bryn, Port Talbot, has been awarded a Master’s degree in Developmental and Therapeutic Play.

and by introducing the puppets this enables them to use their imagination to create their own story about their hospital experience. This helps to relax them and distracts them from uncomfortable procedures, which in turn makes their family less anxious.”

Her University studies helped Lisa to develop a deeper understanding of this subject Lisa has been a nursery nurse and have led to her giving guest for 20 years, and was working lectures on this topic. She also as a play leader in Morriston co-authored a book chapter Hospital when she first decided focused on play for children in a to apply for the Master’s Degree. hospital setting and is currently Her work with children led her to writing a full book proposal on develop a passion in relation to developmental and therapeutic hospital play, and she decided play for children in hospital with to implement the use of puppets Dr Justine Howard from Swansea to help prepare the children University. Her achievements in for medical procedures and this area were also recognised treatment. She also wanted when she was granted the to study and gain theoretical runner-up prize in the Welsh knowledge about children’s RCN Nurse of the Year development and therapeutic play Awards 2014. at university. Lisa said: “Last year, from Lisa said: ‘I have been fortunate generous donations from enough to have been given the the general public my opportunity to study at Swansea department was able University on a part-time basis to to purchase a whole further develop my knowledge of family of puppets so therapeutic play. I work within a that children across all team of five play leaders and we wards could benefit see children from birth up to 16 from their use. My years old. We provide structured aim is to build upon age appropriate play in the this and help spread playroom or at the bedside for the word about the short stay or long term children. benefits of this kind I have seen first-hand how vitally of therapeutic play important it is to prepare the for children across children for their procedures the whole of the using age appropriate language hospital trust.” that they can understand. I encourage the children to blend the fantasy with the reality of their admission,

Lisa’s personal tutor, Dr Justine Howard said: “Lisa was nervous when she joined the MA Developmental and Therapeutic Play programme as a part time student in 2011. She had no undergraduate degree and entered via the non-graduate route based on her extensive experience of working with children as a play professional at Morriston Hospital. Her dedication, commitment and enthusiasm has meant that Lisa excelled in all elements of the programme and was consistently one of our highest achieving students. “I was fortunate enough to spend time with Lisa on the ward at Morriston which gave me first hand insight into the exceptional work she does as a Developmental and Therapeutic Play Specialist at the hospital. Not only does Lisa’s work have a profound impact on the lives of the children with whom she works, but also, on the lives of the parents and carers who she tirelessly makes time for in her busy schedule.”

Lisa Mo rgan


From Saudi to Swansea – Friyal celebrates PhD success It was a special journey back to Swansea this week for Friyal AlQahtani, who returned from her home country of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to receive her PhD degree from Swansea University. Friyal, aged 35, from Dammam travelled with her husband, Dr Mohammed Al Dossary, to attend the Graduation Congregation for the College of Human and Health Sciences. Friyal completed her MSc Public Health and Health Promotion at the College of Human and Health Sciences in 2009. It was during her MSc studies she developed an appetite for research in order to inform her role as a lecturer in Nursing in KSA. Friyal then chose to pursue a PhD and gained a scholarship from the KSA government to do so. Professor Deborah Fitzsimmons, Academic Director of the College’s Swansea Centre for

Health Economics and one of Friyal’s PhD supervisors, said: “Friyal chose a challenging health topic to research for her PhD, focused on improving knowledge skills and attitudes of nursing students in KSA to the care of patients with Hepatitis B and C, through delivery of an educational programme. “She set up an ambitious mixed-methods study, using a randomised controlled trial and qualitative interviews to establish the effectiveness of her programme.” Friyal began her research studies in 2009 and following maternity leave to have her first son, she returned to Swansea to continue her studies. And after Friyal had her second son, she again returned to Swansea to continue her studies, all while juggling a young family. Dr Jayne Cutter, Senior Lecturer and one of Friyal’s PhD supervisors, said: “Friyal dealt with research challenges with aplomb – from gaining access from her home University to conduct the study, through to the challenges of recruiting students to take part. “Her tenacity, passion, and commitment to her research shone throughout, even when facing the difficulties associated with completing a fulltime PhD – and not least with a young family to support at the same time.”

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Friyal submitted her PhD, entitled ‘The impact of a structured education package on student nurses’ knowledge attitudes and reported practice regarding HBV/ HCV transmission and standard precautions at a nursing College in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’, in May 2014 and her viva (thesis defence) took place in July 2014. Dr Cutter continued: “Friyal was awarded a PhD with no corrections – a rare occurrence. She also impressed her internal examiner, Dr Ruth Davies, with her in depth answers to every question, her passion about the topic and her confidence.” Friyal returned home to KSA after completing her PhD, to return to her role as an assistant professor for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and also as head of community health nursing department, chairperson of accreditation area 11 and head of community services department at the College of Nursing, University of Dammam, in KSA. Professor Deborah Fitzsimmons added: “We already know that Friyal is making a difference to nursing education through her research-led, practice driven approach which she championed throughout her PhD and continues into her post-doctoral career. “We have no doubt Friyal will be instrumental in developing nurse education in KSA and Dr Jayne Cutter and I are privileged to have been her supervisors.”


Josie’s PhD Dream Comes True Josie Henley-Einion, from Cardiff, is today graduating from Swansea University’s College of Human and Health Sciences with a PhD in Dreams, Learning and Memory.

dreams, in which events are more likely to show up in dreams the night after they occur, and then 5-7 nights after they occur. “Josie conducted a wonderful study, which confirmed the effect, publishing this in the journal Consciousness and Cognition, backing the argument that dream imagery shows the memory processing that the brain is doing during sleep.

Her thesis, entitled ‘The timecourse of memory consolidation during sleep: Evidence from delayed incorporations into dreams’ studied and confirmed an effect that was widely doubted “A second publication followed by researchers around the world. in the prestigious journal PLoS ONE, showing that this delayed incorporation of events into Professor Mark Blagrove, Head of the Department of Psychology, dreams occurs for Rapid Eye Movement sleep dreams, but was Josie’s supervisor. not dreams from other stages of He said: “The effect that Josie studied was the delayed incorporation of events into

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sleep. These results suggest that dreams are the experience of memory processing during sleep. “Finally, Josie did a further unique and original study investigating why some people seem to have more references to their waking life in their dreams than other people. This was published in a journal in 2014.” Following the results of Josie’s first PhD experiment her supervisor applied for, and was awarded, a grant from the Economic and Social Research Council on the subject of dream content reflecting memory consolidation across several nights of sleep. The work funded by the award was very successful. Professor Blagrove concluded: “Until Josie did her PhD the delayed incorporation of waking life events into dreams was widely disbelieved. The validity and importance of this effect are now recognised world-wide and her two papers on the effect are highly cited. We are closer to knowing what the brain is doing during sleep.”

“Josie conducted a wonderful study.” - Prof. Mark Blagrove


Here, Josie explains why she chose to undertake a PhD and what she has achieved from it… What did you do prior to studying at Swansea University? “It’s been a long journey! I originally studied as an undergraduate, joint honours Psychology and Linguistics in Bangor University, and graduated in 1992. After this I worked as a researcher and considered a PhD but couldn’t settle on a topic. I worked in care and teaching Psychology at Further Education level, and then as a computer programer. I was working in the Heath Hospital in Cardiff in the Research and Development Department when I applied to Swansea.” Why did you choose to study at Swansea University? “I was looking for a funded PhD on www.jobs.ac.uk. The Swansea PhD researching dreams and memory really stood out to me as being a fascinating topic. I was attracted to Swansea as the university has a good reputation for Psychology, and especially dreams as there is a dream lab and a lot of research goes on there. I was very excited to be accepted.” Can you tell us about your course? “With a research PhD it’s not a taught course, so it’s quite self-directed which can be very daunting. Luckily I had a good supervisor, who is the head of the department: so no pressure! In the first year I ran a study that started out as a replication of a previous study in the area, but as we changed some of the parameters it ended up being quite new and we had

a publication from early on, which was very motivating. In the second year I was working on my thesis and got involved in a collaboration with others that was based in the sleep lab, several publications came out of this. I also attended a conference in the Netherlands and presented the findings of the first study. In the third year I developed a new study and there were some significant results. It was all quite exciting and good to be involved in.” What part of the course did you enjoy the most? “It sounds odd but I love statistics! I also enjoy networking, so conferences and seminars, meetings and talks. I like to meet other researchers and academics and listen to them talk about their research. I’m interested in so many different areas in health and social care, social sciences, politics, economics, I can find a common interest with anyone I meet!” What are your plans/hopes for the future? “I’d really like to find an academic job. At the moment I’m working in mental health which is a related area, but I would like to work in a research position where I feel my academic skills are put to good use.” How will your qualification help your career? “A lot of research posts ask for a PhD or near to completion, so having already got my PhD will put me in a good position. It is evidence that I’m determined and can see a project through,

as it’s such a hard slog and there’s a high attrition rate in PhDs.” Would you recommend Swansea University to other students? “Yes, definitely. The location is amazing, right on the beach and it’s beautiful in any season. In terms of the reputation of the University for teaching and research, that’s also a high recommendation, and the Swansea nightlife is good too! It’s quite a multicultural area but with a very Welsh foundation, and there are a lot of interesting places surrounding the area.” What advice would you give to students considering postgraduate study? “Have a good think about what it is you want to study, as you’ll be doing it for a long time, and you’ll be alone for a lot of it even with a supervisor. Maybe take some time out between undergraduate and postgraduate if you’re not already a mature student, because some work experience will help you to find your niche, as well as giving you skills to fall back on if you don’t find a job immediately following the PhD. Treat it as a journey with many interesting points along the way, so you enjoy the process, rather than focussing on the product because at the beginning that’s a long way away. Best of all, remember to enjoy it, as it’s a great opportunity, especially in a funded PhD – you are getting paid to do what you love!”

Graduation Newsletter 2015 Postgraduate Success for Personal Trainer and Health Advisor Nicole Claudine Hopkins, originally from Droitwich, Worcestershire has today graduated with an MSc in Long Term and Chronic Conditions Management. After spending 25 years in banking, finance and insurance, Nicole decided her passion lay elsewhere. She had long been interested in maintaining health through exercise and elected to further her knowledge in that field. After applying to Swansea University and beginning her Master’s studies at the College of Human and Health Sciences, Nicole began to understand the struggle of keeping active while suffering with a chronic condition. She said: “The course gave me an in-depth look into the life experience of people suffering from one or more chronic conditions. “During my studies I developed a strong interest in the management of chronic conditions using exercise, and the need to stay fit to manage ageing effectively.” “We had the opportunity to meet researchers and physicians who focus on the medical side of chronic conditions. It was very interesting to have insight into cutting edge research. Furthermore, we met service users who gave us, with candour, an incredible insight into their day to day lives living with a chronic condition.”

Nicole felt that her multidisciplinary cohort and guest speakers aided her studies: “During my time at Swansea University I have had the pleasure to study with nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists who were not shy at sharing their experience and knowledge working with patients. This experience was valuable for me to understand patients’ experiences with chronic illness. It is important to stress that even without a medical background I never felt out of place and had everything to gain.

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“My highlight was that I had the incredible privilege to meet tutors and guest speakers who were passionate about their subject. Additionally every tutor was there for me if I had a question. Their guidance and their need for us to do well was a precious asset in achieving my MSc.” Nicole concluded: “My MSc will be a valuable asset to guide people suffering from one or more chronic conditions to keep physically active for as long as possible. “At the moment I work as a Personal Trainer and Health Advisor for a not-for-profit business which reinvests all its profits in gyms, medical centres, hospitals and expert staff.”

e Ho pkins Tessa Watts, Programme Manager for the Long Term and Chronic Conditions Master’s course said: “I am delighted with Nicole’s success which is very well deserved. From the outset it was clear that Nicole was highly motivated and hardworking. It has been a pleasure to work with her and observe her develop her understandings of chronic illness and her academic ability. “I have no doubts that she will make a significant difference to improving health and well-being for people living with long term and chronic conditions in her new and exciting role as a health advisor. I would like to wish her every success with this: good luck Nicole.”


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