Registered Nurse currently working as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Acute Pain. 8 years experience in Critical Care teaching college, access to nursing and degree students.

Find out more about Chloë

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I first developed an interest in Nursing at a young age, having seen and admired how Nurses interacted with one of my friends who was frequently in and out of hospital. I really felt like they made a difference to my friend, and made a difficult experience for her much better. Once I qualified as a Registered Nurse I shortly began having my own students to mentor which I found really fulfilling. My students developed a good rapport with me and the multi-disciplinary team which helped to get the best out of their learning experience.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, and the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach most aspects required within an undergraduate BSc Nursing studies course. I like tutoring the academic side of the course as well as clinical aspects as I find that a lot of students struggle with this aspect of the course as many nursing students are more "hands on" learners. There aren't really any subjects that I dislike!

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  Whilst I was in high school I had a drama teacher that I really looked up to. I wasn't much of an actress, but this teacher really went out of his way to understand each of his pupils' learning needs and get the best out of his class - I really admired his passion and methods of teaching.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  Personal skills are key to being a good tutor. Finding out and learning about each student as a person is important as this gives an insight into how the student learns; what works and what doesn't. Patience is also important as some subjects can be very difficult to understand without breaking it down into chunks, coupled with understanding the learner and what works best for them.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  Nursing is currently undergoing a challenging time, as is the National Health Service (NHS, UK) in general. We are currently facing record numbers of vacancies in all health boards and specialties, with experienced nurses leaving in droves. Routine operations are being rescheduled/cancelled, healthcare staff are experiencing high levels of burnout, all while keeping patient safety as the top priority. Nurses in the UK have also been undertaking strike action due to staffing retention and pay issues, which for a tutor, has enabled me to raise important discussions with my students and has facilitated good debate around the subject.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I am a Critical Care Nurse by trade, which is where my passion lies. In Critical Care we see patients at the brink of life and death, looking after the most vulnerable and sick patients in the hospital. The rush of adrenaline when a critically ill admission is assigned and having to be at the top of your game every single time is exciting and daunting. I enjoy the science behind caring for the critically ill patient, running the complex machinery and interpreting the results of bedside tests. I also enjoy building a rapport with the family, who are often having the worst day of their lives. Building a good relationship with the patients and their support networks helps to ease the anxiety around their relative being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions)?

  I think I offer a good all-round experience for student nurses who require some support whether that be in clinical or academic settings. I am also pretty relaxed and hopefully, this helps to foster a good tutor-student relationship. I also answered these interview questions - bonus tutor points ;-)