معرفی
Nicola Clarke is a Senior Lecturer in Nursing at Birmingham City University's Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, specializing in the Department of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities. With over two decades of experience at BCU, she focuses on teaching reflection and reflective practice, academic skills, and mental health nursing. As a registered mental health nurse, she brings extensive clinical experience to her academic role, having worked in substance misuse for approximately six years prior to her academic career.
Nicola's educational background includes:
- EdD from University of Birmingham (2003-2013)
- MSc in General Psychiatry from Keele University (2000-2003)
- BSc in Mental Health Nursing from Oxford Brookes University (1993-1997)
Nicola's research primarily centers on reflective practice in nursing education, with a focus on developing frameworks for effective reflection. Her work addresses the challenges students face in understanding and implementing reflective writing for academic purposes. She has developed the 'Experience, Deconstruction, Implementation' (EDI) framework to enhance reflective writing in nursing education. Her research also explores student engagement in higher education, clinical assessment methods, and mental health nursing practices that promote social inclusion.
Nicola's publication record shows a consistent focus on reflective practice and nursing education over the past 15 years. Her work has evolved from foundational explorations of reflective practice to developing specific frameworks and examining implementation challenges. Recent publications address critical moments in teaching, updated approaches to reflection, and the relationship between reflection and leadership. Her research demonstrates a commitment to improving nursing education through evidence-based approaches to reflective practice.
Nicola has received professional recognition including:
- Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)
Nicola serves as a SEDA-recognized doctoral supervisor and has extensive experience mentoring students and early-career academics. She acts as an external examiner for nursing programs and provides guidance on Recognition of Prior Learning and Continuing Professional Development. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes creating safe spaces for students to develop as reflective practitioners who can advocate effectively for their patients.
Nicola is actively involved in the academic community through podcasts, social media, and professional networks. She maintains connections with practicing nurses and contributes to ongoing discussions about mental health nursing education and practice. Her work bridges academic theory and clinical practice, ensuring her teaching remains relevant to contemporary healthcare challenges.
