Kayleigh Lavelle

I have been a nurse for 14 years and roles include an NHS Sister/Stroke Specialist Nurse in Acute Medicine within hospital. I then moved to the community as a Band 7 Senior Clinical Practitioner to assess elderly patients in their own homes and work alongside community matrons as a hospital avoidance service, to treat patients at home to avoid hospital admissions. In both roles, I managed a team of staff and a large caseload of complex patients. I then moved into primary care, working in a GP practice as a Nurse Practitioner, treating patients with both acute presentations and chronic long-term conditions. I was also Learning Disabilities Lead. I am an Independent Nurse Prescriber and gained other extended skills.

In 2021, I moved into teaching and joined the University of Sunderland. I am thoroughly enjoying this new career path as I have always loved teaching, learning, and mentoring roles throughout my career.

I am Deputy Programme Leader for a new postgraduate apprenticeship programme Enhanced Clinical Practitioner, and Deputy Leader for BSc (Hons) Nursing (Top-Up) ICBT in Sri Lanka. I am a module leader on BSc (Hons) Nursing (Top-Up) on campus and teach Managing and Effecting Change in Healthcare. I teach a mixture of home and international students. I am an advocate for international student support and belonging, and a member of Equality Diversity and Inclusion networks.

I have just completed my Postgraduate Certificate in Education and I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. I teach postgraduate CPD short course modules within nursing such as respiratory, ear care management, and nurse prescribing for health professionals. I am a personal academic tutor and dissertation supervisor.

Clinical research interests are stroke care, leadership and management, mentoring, patient safety, nutrition and diseases, and advanced clinical practice.

I am currently studying MSc Inequality and Society. I have a huge passion for exploring inequality within society exploring various marginalised groups, and the link between inequality outcomes and social class alongside opportunities and access including health and education.

I love to keep active and keep my brain active. I go on daily walks, hiking on weekends, and yoga. I love reading, researching, going to the gym, and spending time with my children.