Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Fiona Sheridan

Brydekirk,Dumfries and Galloway

Summary

With over twenty years of diverse nursing experience including leading nurse-led clinics, working in surgical and medical wards, rehabilitation, the prison system, and conducting research in stroke and mental health I have gained a broad range of transferable skills. I have successfully developed and implemented standard operating procedures and competencies for medication administration. Additionally, I have conducted audits to identify areas of concern or substandard practices by aligning them with NICE guidelines and the latest industry standards, ultimately leading to enhancements in service quality and development.

I have a genuine passion for expanding my knowledge of ADHD and supporting those affected by it.


I’m committed to adhering to the legal, ethical, and professional standards of clinical practice. I strive to provide safe and effective care by prioritising evidence-based guidelines. I believe that following established recommendations from organisations like the BNF, MHRA, NICE, and RPS is crucial for effective patient care. By continuously developing my skills and knowledge, I hope to positively impact patient experiences and contribute to improvements in healthcare delivery, ensuring timely and accessible treatment for all.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Lead Nurse

Medical Procedure Unit, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS
Carlisle
01.2021
  • As a lead nurse I am responsible for managing and supervising nursing and support staff to ensure the quality and safety of patient care
  • This includes overseeing patient flow throughout the department and the accepting of patient referrals and discussing patient care with referrers, conducting appraisals for staff members, providing clinical and management supervision and E-rostering
  • Additionally, I safely prescribe medications within their scope of practice and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and competencies to maintain a professional standard in patient care.

Staff Nurse

Medical Procedures Unit North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS
Carlisle
11.2017 - 01.2021
  • As one of the five nurses working in this small nurse-led unit specialising in thirteen different specialties such as neurology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, and radiology, I am responsible for tasks such as taking blood samples, inserting cannulas, checking blood results, and administering IV medications as prescribed
  • I have experience in administering a wide range of IV medications, including high-risk medications like chemotherapy and biologics
  • Additionally, I consult with patients and collaborate with specialty practitioners when necessary.

Staff nurse

Beech C ward, North Cumbria Integrated Care
Carlisle
01.2016 - 11.2017
  • As a band 5 nurse in this gastro ward I was responsible for providing quality care to patients with gastrointestinal disorders
  • This included assessing patients' conditions, developing and implementing care plans, administering medications, and monitoring patients' progress
  • An important part of the role was educating patients on managing their condition and working closely in the multidisciplinary team.

Mental health research nurse

Research department , North Cumbria Integrated Care
Carlisle
11.2013 - 01.2016
  • Carried out clinical research within many trials for example: Effects of Seclusion and Restraint in Adult Psychiatry; Qol trial in adults living with MS; Making Care Home Research Accessible ENRICH (Enabling Research in Care Homes)
  • As a research nurse specialising in mental health I was responsible for carrying out clinical research studies in an ethical manner in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines
  • This included tasks such as enrolling and obtaining consent from participants, mental health inpatients and outpatients, gathering data, overseeing participant safety and well-being, and accurately documenting study information
  • Adherence to GCP guidelines is paramount throughout the entire research process to ensure the credibility and reliability of the results and contributions that are instrumental in driving progress and facilitating improvements mental health for those in need of specialised treatment and support.

Stroke Research Nurse

Stroke Research Nurse, Ward 101
Edinburgh
11.2012 - 11.2013
  • Carried out clinical research within many trials for example: Effects of fluoxetine on functional outcomes after acute stroke (FOCUS): a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial
  • The Clots in Legs Or sTockings after Stroke (CLOTS) 3 trial
  • A Very Early Rehabilitation Trial after stroke (AVERT)
  • As a research nurse specialising in stroke I was responsible for carrying out clinical research studies in an ethical manner in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines
  • This included tasks such as enrolling and obtaining consent from participants, mental health inpatients and outpatients, gathering data, overseeing participant safety and well-being, and accurately documenting study information
  • Adherence to GCP guidelines is paramount throughout the entire research process to ensure the credibility and reliability of the results and contributions that are instrumental in driving progress and facilitating improvements stroke care for those in need of specialised treatment and support.

Staff Nurse

Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit, Charles Bell 2.
Edinburgh
05.2006 - 11.2012
  • I provided specialised rehabilitation care for patients with brain injuries
  • Key responsibilities included: Evaluating the needs and medical history of patients to understand their specific conditions
  • Developing individualised care plans tailored to each patient's requirements and rehabilitation goals
  • Administering treatments, therapies, and medications as needed
  • Monitoring patient progress and adjusting care plans based on their evolving needs
  • Working with speech and language and psychologists to offer emotional and psychological support to patients and their families throughout the recovery process
  • Providing information and resources to help patients and families understand brain injuries and the rehabilitation process, particularly during admission and discharge
  • Through these efforts, I played a vital role in helping individuals progress from dependence to greater independence in their daily lives.

Scottish Prison Service Nurse

HMP Prison CraigInches Aberdeen
Aberdeen
02.2004 - 05.2006
  • I was responsible for delivering comprehensive healthcare to incarcerated individuals, serving approximately 600 prisoners
  • Key duties included, conducting thorough health and suicide risk assessments for newly admitted prisoners
  • Advising on substance misuse and administrating detox programs, while also managing chronic health conditions, and providing emergency treatment for injuries resulting from fights, falls, or accidents
  • Additionally, I facilitated weekly workshops aimed at promoting self-esteem, resilience, and strategies for leading fulfilling lives during incarceration and after release.

Education

BA Hons Psychology - Psychology and Social Science

Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow
09.1994 - 09.1998

Adult Nursing Diploma - Nursing

Napier University
Edinburgh
10.1999 - 10.2001

Postgraduate Certificate - Brain Injury and Rehabilitation.

Napier University
Edinburgh
01.2008 - 09.2008

MSc Health Psychology -

Queen Margaret University
Edinburgh
09.2006 - 09.2007

Level 7 - Physical Examination and Consultation

University of Cumbria
Carlisle
01.2023 - 09.2023

V300 Independent Nurse Prescribing -

University of Cumbria
Carlisle
09.2023 - 03.2024

Certificate of Higher Education - Understanding Autism, Asperger’s & ADHD

Derby University
Derby
09.2023 - 01.2024

Skills

My MSc in Health Psychology and recent study illustrates that I am able to think critically at a high level The MSc stressed the importance of practising within a weighted evidence base


The effectiveness and safety of ADHD medications are well-supported by robust evidence, including many randomised controlled trials and longitudinal studies
Arguably this makes licensed ADHD medications among

the safest and most effective treatments in psychiatry

Interestingly, some imaging studies indicate that prolonged ADHD medication use can lead to positive changes in brain structure over time, potentially normalising structural differences associated with the condition


Through my interactions with patients, friends and family diagnosed with ADHD, I have observed how pharmacological treatment can significantly enhance their ability to manage emotions, maintain focus, persevere, and complete tasks leading to markedly better self-esteem, relationships, and overall daily functioning

I am aware of the contraindications, interactions, and potential side effects of ADHD medications

I am familiar with the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ADHD medications including dopamine agonists, eg, short-acting Methylphenidate and Ritalin; long-acting Concerta XL), amphetamines (eg, short-acting dexamphetamine and Adderall; long-acting lisdexamfetamine, also known as Elvanse), the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (eg, Atomoxetine), and alpha-2 agonists (eg, Clonidine and Guanfacine (off-label in adults)

NICE guidelines recommend to offer lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate as first-line pharmacological treatment for adults with ADHD

In order to find a tolerable effective treatment there may be several changes to type, dose and delivery systems, including pills, osmotic pumps, pellets, patches, pro-drugs, liquids, gummies, and delayed-release stimulants


I always ensure that I deliver a high standard of care to all patients I am able to remain calm in stressful situations I have grit, and am honest and curious, reliable and able to collaboratively lead I would say that patients and staff find me easy to talk to, a good leader, knowledgeable, cheerful and determined

Timeline

V300 Independent Nurse Prescribing -

University of Cumbria
09.2023 - 03.2024

Certificate of Higher Education - Understanding Autism, Asperger’s & ADHD

Derby University
09.2023 - 01.2024

Level 7 - Physical Examination and Consultation

University of Cumbria
01.2023 - 09.2023

Lead Nurse

Medical Procedure Unit, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS
01.2021

Staff Nurse

Medical Procedures Unit North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS
11.2017 - 01.2021

Staff nurse

Beech C ward, North Cumbria Integrated Care
01.2016 - 11.2017

Mental health research nurse

Research department , North Cumbria Integrated Care
11.2013 - 01.2016

Stroke Research Nurse

Stroke Research Nurse, Ward 101
11.2012 - 11.2013

Postgraduate Certificate - Brain Injury and Rehabilitation.

Napier University
01.2008 - 09.2008

MSc Health Psychology -

Queen Margaret University
09.2006 - 09.2007

Staff Nurse

Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit, Charles Bell 2.
05.2006 - 11.2012

Scottish Prison Service Nurse

HMP Prison CraigInches Aberdeen
02.2004 - 05.2006

Adult Nursing Diploma - Nursing

Napier University
10.1999 - 10.2001

BA Hons Psychology - Psychology and Social Science

Glasgow Caledonian University
09.1994 - 09.1998

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Fiona Sheridan