Kelly Sweeney

Department of Health and Nutrition

Associate Lecturer

Academic qualifications

Foundation Degree - Nursing Associate, PGCert - Higher Education

Email

k.sweeney@ucb.ac.uk

"Teaching was my first love, and nursing my second, and now I feel privileged to be able to combine both of my passions in my role at UCB."

With expertise in apprenticeships and a wealth of clinical experience, I teach on our Nursing Associate Apprenticeship course. My industry background includes hands-on experience as a Nursing Associate working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and as a Clinical Educator with University Hospitals Birmingham Trust. I also worked as a manager at Royal Mail, honing my skills in relationship building and maintaining high standards - both crucial elements for anyone considering a career in nursing.

I worked as a Health Care Assistant before completing the pilot course for Nursing Associates, meaning that I can fully relate to my students, for example, when they discuss the course programme, or how our learning relates to real-world practice. As a Clinical Educator, I taught clinical skills and provided pastoral care to student nursing associates, which is an approach I’ve continued in my current role here at UCB. My teaching draws on real stories and examples from clinical practice, making my sessions interactive and memorable. Teaching was my first love, and nursing my second, and now I feel privileged to be able to combine both of my passions in my role at UCB.

My teaching philosophy centres on inclusivity and respect, and I make a point of ensuring that everyone’s views are heard in my classroom - it’s always a judgement-free environment. I encourage my students to ask for help whenever they need it and stress that support is always available and that there are no silly questions. If a student is struggling, I offer one-to-one conversations to identify concerns and provide tailored support. I was delighted to have been nominated in the categories of ‘Best Personal Tutor’ and ‘Inspirational Teaching’. Every time a student passes an assignment or exam, I feel a deep sense of pride, as it means that they have listened, learned, and grown in my classes.

When I’m not teaching, I love to spend time with my family, reading thrillers, horror, or mythical stories, and finding relaxation through yoga and long walks. I’m also a dedicated fan of the series Supernatural, having watched all its seasons multiple times.