Diana Hughes-Morris

I began my nursing career within the acute sector of a District General Hospital. I spent many years working in adult medicine meeting the health needs of those with varied medical issues. The ward specialty at the time of employment was primarily renal failure, but incorporated a vast variance of conditions.

I have continued to develop personal knowledge and skills relating to the area of practice throughout, and during my 28 years of nursing have acquired a wealth of experience in both acute and community settings, including that of Specialist Practitioner in Community Health/School Nursing and Practice Teacher with additional experience of long arm Practice Teacher capacity, supporting Mentors undertaking the Practice Teacher Programme.

I gained the B.Sc. at NEWI (now Wrexham) gaining a 2:1 classification in Community Health/School Nursing, and have since successfully completed the M.Sc. in Professional Development.

Whilst undertaking the PGCPD, which facilitated me with knowledge regarding teaching and supporting learning, inclusivity, design and planning of learning activity, quality of education and assessment processes, I took the opportunity to undertake teaching for pre-registered students. The subjects therein were management, leadership, teamwork, social policy, reflective practice, family dysfunction and also taking the opportunity to teach aspects on the Midwifery programme and Pre-Registered Children’s Community Nurse programme.

I continued to work part-time in the clinical setting, retaining skills and credibility whilst developing myself as a senior lecturer here at Wrexham University. I now lead for the School Nursing route within the Specialist Community Public Health Nursing programme. I have experienced module development, and indeed have developed a module entitled ‘Contraception, Healthy Relationships and Healthy Sexuality’ for which I now lead.

Being on the working group initially for the School Nursing Framework and the Electronic Records Group has enabled input and insight into the visions being considered and prepared, also whilst forging new links with the National Forum for School Health Educators (NFSHE), facilitating further appreciation of the wider network.

I have had great pleasure in embarking on writing a chapter of a book on mentorship – the aspect of pertaining to mentorship challenges in the community area, and I have had my research published in the British Journal of School Nursing.

Aside from my family, my interests outside of work are to maintain fitness through walking and running.