Dawn Parsons

Dawn trained as a Registered General Nurse (Adult) at West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Following registration, Dawn completed a DipHe in Nursing Practice, gaining academic credits and ENB recognition for Diabetes Nursing and Tissue Viability. Whilst working full-time as a registered nurse she continued her studies to achieve a BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice with the University of East Anglia. This programme focused on her academic knowledge, skills and experience around the care of the acute and critically ill, pain control and management and mentorship.

Since qualifying as a nurse, Dawn has maintained several posts including Oncology, acute medicine and gynaecology. Dawn also held a deputy managers position in a Nursing home and worked as a practice nurse prior to her current clinical role. Both roles enhanced her knowledge, skills and experience within the community/primary care settings.

Since 2001, Dawn has worked within the Critical Care Services of an acute trust. It is here that she progressed to become Sister of the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit, where she developed particular interests in education and caring for acute and critically ill patients.   It is during this time that her clinical experience was really enhanced and a very keen educational link role was developed.

Teaching/Research Interests and Publications

Dawn's academic teaching began as a visiting lecturer for University Campus Suffolk in 2006, where she provided lectures on Anaesthetic Nursing, Recovery and orthopaedic theatre nursing. As part of her clinical role as a Sister in Recovery, she provided teaching and support in practice to Pre and Post Registration Nurses.

In 2008, Dawn commenced a Masters in Education for Health and Social Care Professionals. In January 2010, she joined University Campus Suffolk as a Lecturer in Acute and Critical Care. Dawn is currently the Deputy Course Leader for the Dip HE in Health and Social Care Practice, Module Leader for the Introduction to Study Skills module and Renal Nursing at the University of Suffolk. She also contributes teaching to the Dip HE Operating Department Practice course, Pre-Registration Nursing, with a focus on acute and critical care, surgery, post-operative recovery, clinical skills and resuscitation.

Dawn also enjoys her role as Link Lecturer, covering main Theatres and the Day Surgery Unit.