Ms Verona Hall

Biography

My nursing journey began in Coventry, where I qualified as a nurse in 1987 and as a midwife in 1997. Maintaining my dual registration, I have enjoyed a long and varied career. As a nurse, I worked on cardiac, general medical, and surgical wards, with my greatest pleasure being my time on a renal transplant ward. Research shows that working in specialised units like renal transplant wards can significantly enhance a nurse's clinical skills and patient care outcomes. As a midwife, I have worked in both high-risk and low-risk centres and was fortunate to set up and run my own midwifery practice as an independent midwife for over ten years. I also served as a supervisor of midwives for many years, a role I thoroughly enjoyed. Studies indicate that midwives who engage in independent practice often report higher job satisfaction and autonomy.

My path into academia started in 2015 when I became a clinical tutor for midwifery at King's College London (KCL). During my time there, statutory midwifery supervision was replaced by the A-EQUIP model, and KCL was one of the leading pilot sites for this new model. I was instrumental in the planning, development, and delivery of the course. The A-EQUIP model has been shown to improve midwifery supervision by providing a more supportive and developmental approach.

Before the first COVID-19 lockdown, I played a key role in mapping clinical skills for the revalidation of the KCL midwifery curriculum, which was granted just before the lockdown. In my previous employment, I performed the following roles:

Module lead for the Foundation of Midwifery Practice Extensive teaching on the BSc Midwifery and BSc Midwifery (short) programmes Interviewing prospective nursing and midwifery students Developing scenarios for OSCEs/Vivas and assignments Organising and marking OSCEs/Vivas Marking midwifery assignments at levels 4, 5, and 6 Serving as a personal tutor for students Acting as an academic assessor Organising, coordinating, and leading mock interviews for year 3 students to experience being in front of a panel and performing OSCE-style skills

As an academic professional, I am dedicated to excellence in learning and teaching, research, professional practice, and leadership. My teaching philosophy is grounded in constructivist and cognitivist theories, emphasising active learning and the development of critical thinking skills. Research supports that active learning strategies significantly improve student engagement and learning outcomes. I design my sessions to be student-centred, incorporating various teaching methods such as problem-based learning, simulations, and collaborative working. These methods are supported by the ASPiH standards for simulation-based education, which advocate for using realistic scenarios to enhance learning outcomes.

In my professional practice, I strive to bridge the gap between academia and professional practice by using high-fidelity simulation to create realistic clinical scenarios. Simulation and skills are where my passion and enthusiasm lie. High-fidelity simulations have been shown to improve clinical decision-making and teamwork skills. As an external examiner for the University of the West of England, I ensure academic standards are upheld and processes have been followed ensuring students receive high-quality education.

Outside of work, I have completed four years as a school governor, where I gained insight into holding people to account and advocating for students. I have been commended by the head teacher on many occasions for my input on inclusivity and my questioning. I enjoy spending time with my family and being in nature. I have a passion for creativity, which I express through making jewellery, baking, and creating perfumes and colognes. Engaging in creative activities has been linked to reduced stress and improved mental well-being. I find joy in these activities as they allow me to unwind and explore my artistic side. Additionally, I love exploring new trails, which helps me stay active and connected to the natural world. My family and I enjoy our weekend adventures, discovering new places and creating cherished memories together.

Teaching

As a lecturer in clinical skills and simulation, I teach on the T Health (Midwifery) program and instruct BSc nursing students at levels 4, 5, and 6 in clinical skills. I directed a small team in developing and implementing simulated practice for the Health Education England Simulation Project. Simulation-based education has enhanced clinical competence and confidence among healthcare students. Additionally, I teach moving and handling and basic life support (BLS) to all BSc nursing and midwifery students. I also provide external teaching where I teach moving, handling, and BLS as needed. As a member of the Athena SWAN and fitness to practice panels, I am dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion. My involvement includes participating in committee meetings and developing action plans. As a member of the fitness to practice committee, I contribute to a panel assessing the professional conduct and competencies of our students.