Mrs Vicki Bowyer

I am a Senior Lecturer in Nursing and Course Director for the Nursing Associate programme, bringing together clinical, operational, and educational experience to support the development of the future healthcare workforce.

After qualifying as an Adult Nurse in 2011, I worked in a variety of clinical and leadership roles across Interventional Cardiology, Hybrid Procedures, Interventional Radiology, and Clinical Site Management. Before moving into higher education in 2021, I served as Interim Head of Clinical Operations for an acute NHS Trust during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading clinical and operational services through a period of significant challenge and change.

Since joining academia, I have been passionate about enhancing student learning and creating opportunities that help learners succeed both academically and professionally. Previous roles have included Placement Lead for the Foundation Degree Nursing Associate programme, where I introduced learning opportunities involving Experts by Experience across both years of the course, and Year 3 Lead for the BSc Adult Nursing programme, supporting students as they prepared to transition into registered practice.

As Course Director for the Nursing Associate programme, I have focused on ensuring that student feedback drives meaningful programme development. Working collaboratively with students and colleagues, I have led a range of enhancements designed to improve the overall learning experience and strengthen the transferable skills needed to thrive in contemporary healthcare settings.

I am particularly passionate about creating inclusive, engaging, and student-centred learning environments where learners feel supported to achieve their full potential. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is seeing students grow in confidence, develop their professional identity, and progress into skilled and compassionate healthcare practitioners.

My teaching is shaped by my diverse clinical background, leadership experience, and a genuine passion for supporting students to become confident, compassionate, and adaptable healthcare professionals. I believe that learning is most effective when students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to develop both personally and professionally.

My passion for nurse education began during my clinical career when I helped establish a new Cardiac Catheter Suite service and was responsible for training junior nurses with no previous cardiac experience. Watching colleagues grow in confidence, develop new skills, and achieve their potential was incredibly rewarding and sparked my interest in teaching and learning, ultimately leading me into academia.

Since joining higher education, I have taught across all pre-registration nursing programmes and have held a range of academic leadership roles, including Module Lead, Year 3 Adult Nursing Lead, and Practice Part 3 Adult Nursing Lead. I currently teach on the BSc Adult Nursing programme, delivering both academic modules and simulated practice teaching. I particularly enjoy helping students connect theory to practice, building the knowledge, confidence, and critical thinking skills needed to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care.

My particular interests are cardiac care and nursing leadership, and I enjoy drawing on my clinical experience to bring learning to life. Above all, I am passionate about preparing future nurses to become reflective, evidence-informed practitioners who are ready to meet the challenges of modern healthcare and make a positive difference to the lives of their patients.

I am also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), reflecting my commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, and the continuous development of the student experience.

My research interests centre on enhancing both student experiences in higher education and the wellbeing of the healthcare workforce.

Most recently, I undertook a small-scale research project exploring student engagement with feedback and how feedback processes can be used to improve final assignment submissions. This work reflected my ongoing interest in student learning, academic development, and the practical strategies that can enhance student success. I have shared this work through conference presentations, providing an opportunity to discuss findings and exchange ideas with colleagues from across the sector.

I am currently developing my research portfolio through a project focused on the menopause transition, exploring the symptoms experienced by individuals and the impact these can have within both healthcare and non-healthcare professions. This research seeks to better understand how menopausal symptoms influence professional practice, workplace experiences, and overall wellbeing, with the aim of informing more supportive and inclusive approaches within the workplace.

My broader research interests include workforce wellbeing, professional development, nursing education, student experience, and the factors that influence learning and performance within healthcare settings. I am particularly interested in research that has a direct impact on practice, education, and the experiences of those working and studying within health and social care.

Alongside my teaching and research responsibilities, I am committed to contributing to the wider nursing and higher education communities through collaboration, scholarship, and professional engagement.

I regularly share educational and research initiatives through conference presentations, providing opportunities to disseminate findings, exchange ideas, and engage with colleagues from across healthcare and higher education. Presenting my work allows me to contribute to discussions around nursing education, student experience, and workforce development.

A key aspect of my role involves working closely with practice partners and healthcare organisations to ensure that educational provision remains relevant, responsive, and aligned with the needs of contemporary healthcare services. I am passionate about strengthening the relationship between academia and clinical practice to support high-quality learning experiences and positive outcomes for students.

I am also actively developing my research profile, with current interests including nursing education, student engagement, workforce wellbeing, and the impact of the menopause transition on individuals working in healthcare and non-healthcare professions.

As a registered Adult Nurse and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), I remain committed to lifelong learning, professional development, and supporting the advancement of nursing practice and education. Through my teaching, research, and external engagement activities, I strive to make a positive contribution to the development of future healthcare professionals and the wider nursing profession.