Lydia Gilbert

As a nurse registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), I bring to my classes over a decade of hands-on clinical experience spanning accident and emergency, critical care, high dependency units, trauma, and orthopaedics. My expertise covers the care of acutely ill patients, sepsis, diabetes management, strategies to reduce medication errors, simulated clinical practice, and reflective writing. I continue to practise clinically, ensuring that the skills and knowledge I share remain current. I’m incredibly proud to be part of the UCB team awarded Nursing Times ‘Pre-Registration Provider of the Year’ in 2025.

My career has provided me with a broad nursing foundation: I’ve worked in acute and surgical care, mental health within prison services, and as clinical lead for intravenous (IV) training and competency management at one of the largest NHS trusts in the Midlands. As a previous member of the resuscitation team and an Acute Illness Management faculty member, I’m well-equipped to guide students through management of deteriorating patients, emergency response, and structured clinical decision-making. I’ve also mentored and supervised colleagues, especially those coming from overseas, helping them to adapt to UK nursing standards and fostering a culture of inclusivity and ongoing professional development. 

I originally became a nurse because I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, and my move into higher education was driven by the realisation that, by teaching up to 100 students a week, I could massively amplify my influence. By helping to nurture a new generation of nurses ready to deliver safe, effective, and person-centred care, I’m proud to play my part in having a positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable people in society.

Students often remark on how much they appreciate my approachable style and interactive classes - I run infection prevention escape rooms, clinical case studies, medication matching games, and virtual reality simulations. I foster an open and supportive atmosphere, and I regularly tell my students that, in my classes, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. I also remind future nurses that, while nursing is incredibly rewarding, it’s academically demanding and requires students to engage with the evidence. I live by the motto: “Education is power for you and your patients”. Empowering others through knowledge is at the centre of my professional practice and teaching philosophy.