Paula Shepherd

Paula Shepherd

  • Senior University Practice Learning Adviser
  • Yeovil Campus, 91 Preston Road, BA20 2DN
Back to top

Biography

As a University Practice Learning Adviser (UPLA), I am able to combine my nursing and lecturer experience to support learning and assessment in practice. The UPLA team are a university based practice education team that support the practice element of healthcare programmes. As the lead for supporting learning and assessment in practice, I have a sound knowledge of the application of professional standards that support effective supervision and assessment in practice.

Alongside contributing to the delivery of the curriculum, I am also a personal tutor and academic assessor for the adult nursing field.

I have recently completed a Health Education England fellowship for the RePAIR project identifying strategies to reduce pre-registration attrition and improve retention in healthcare programmes and early careers.

Following the Fellowship, I am continuing my work on developing a strategy to support speaking up as a professional skill.

My current area of research is with regard to understanding the registered nurse degree experience.

Research

Commenced PhD studies in January 2023 - The Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice Experience

The RNDA experience

Journal Articles

Conferences

  • Shepherd, P. and Uren, C., 2015. Valuing the student’s contribution. In: RCN Annual International Nursing Research Conference and Exhibition 2015 20-22 April 2015 Nottingham. http://www.rcn.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/613453/3.2.2-Shepherd.pdf.
  • Shepherd, P. and Uren, C., 2014. Time to learn, time to teach. In: NET2014 - International Networking for Education in Healthcare Conference 2-4 September 2014 Churchill College, Cambridge.
  • Shepherd, P. and Uren, C., 2013. Protect the Student; protect the Patient – supernumerary status. In: Phi Mu Inaugural Conference 20-21 June 2013 Bournemouth University.
  • Shepherd, P. and Uren, C., 2012. Mentor Education Provision. In: Royal College of Nursing Fine Conference 3-5 October 2012 Cardiff.
  • Shepherd, P., 2011. Promoting competence in supporting learners in practice. In: NET2011 - International Networking for Education in Healthcare Conference 6-8 September 2011 Churchill College, Cambridge.
  • Shepherd, P., 2007. Contrast, Compare and Prepare – the Journey of the Overseas Nurse. In: The Transcultural Nursing Society Annual Conference 2007 19-21 September 2007 Bournemouth University.

Posters

  • Shepherd, P., 2022. Appreciating the Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice Experience. In: 14th PGR conference Bournemouth University.

Profile of Teaching PG

  • Unit Leader - Learning and Assessing in Practice (post-registration at Levels I, H and M)
  • Learning and Assessing in Practice

Profile of Teaching UG

  • Contribute to 'Return to Practice - Nursing' unit with both practice placement support and elements of unit delivery
  • Within pre-registration, teach on 'Preparation for the RN Role' and 'Preparation for Practice Placement'
  • Identifying knowledge for practice
  • Academic Adviser

External Responsibilities

  • The University of West London, External Examiner (2014-)
  • The Stroke Association, Lay Research Reviewer

Conference Presentations

  • INNOVATION, SUSTAINABILITY AND DIVERSITY: THE ROLE OF NURSE LEADERSHIP, Speaking out - a Professional skill, 08 Jul 2022, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford
  • RCN Centenary Conference 2016, The Mentor's Legacy, 22 Nov 2016, QE 2 Centre

Qualifications

  • MA in Health and Social Care Education (Bournemouth University, 2010)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Bournemouth University, 2007)
  • BSc (Hons) in Nursing (Bournemouth University, 2003)
  • Diploma in Nursing Studies (Plymouth University, 2000)
  • Registered Nurse in Nursing (Lovelock Jones Nurse Education Centre, High Wycombe, 1986)

Memberships

  • Nursing and Midwifery Council, Registered Nurse - Adult, and Teacher (1986-),
  • Higher Education Academy, Fellow,
  • Royal College of Nursing, Member,