Barbara Edwards

Senior Lecturer

Health, Education, Policing and Sciences

I am a lecturer in adult nursing. I have a background in cancer and palliative care, with specialist experience with lung cancer, malignant bone diseases and end of life care. Prior to that I worked as respiratory nurse specialist, providing nurse led clinics, TB contract tracing, supporting patients at home with CPAP and NIPPV and developing a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme.

I always wanted to be a nurse, despite a rocky start to my education. At age 9 my teacher told my mother I was stupid and would never make anything of myself. However, I went on to gain passes but not exceptional grades in exams at school and was accepted onto a nursing course. Since then, through some admittedly hard work at times, I have completed a BSc (hons) in Nursing here at Staffordshire University. I was the first member of my family to attend university and gain a professional qualification.

I took a break from nursing to raise a family and worked as a learning support assistant supporting children with special educational needs 1-1 in a primary school setting. During that time, I developed my teaching skills with Open University courses and progressed to providing taught sessions to classes of 8- and 9-year-olds as a higher-level teaching assistant. Having returned to nursing and working in a specialist cancer role I realised I loved my opportunities to provide education session and decide I wanted to combine my two skills. I applied to the university for a lecturer’s post and achieved something I might only dreamed of 20 years ago when I completed my degree.

Academic qualifications

  • BSc (Hons) Nursing, Staffordshire University
  • RN, West Norfolk and Wisbech School of Nursing

Teaching

  • Adult Nursing
  • Module lead for Professional Legal and Ethical Considerations in Nursing and Midwifery
  • End of Life Care
in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021