Heather Wilcox

Before joining Buckinghamshire New University in 2022, I worked as a clinical nurse specialist in substance use services. I very much enjoyed the role and worked with the service to implement a new Buprenorphine long-acting injection clinic.  Prior to that, I worked on acute mental health inpatient wards in the Hertfordshire area. I have always been passionate about education, so I made the jump from being in clinical practice to being a lecturer at Bucks New University.

When I was a student nurse, I was lucky enough to complete my nursing elective placement in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. This was one of the best experiences of my life. I was able to work alongside Tanzanian doctors and nurses in a mental health clinic. They were all so welcoming and really taught me a lot about the healthcare system in Tanzania, where resources are limited compared to England. I think the welcoming nature of the people in Tanzania has developed my confidence as a nurse and has also made me appreciate the important contribution of diversity in nursing care.

I studied for my BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) at the University of Hertfordshire, and I am currently studying towards my MSc in Mental Health Recovery and Social Inclusion. My specialist area of interest/research is recovery in substance use. I find this particularly interesting because it is a journey that is personal and different for all.

I am a member of the Royal College of Nursing. One of my career highlights includes winning an award for having the highest-grade average across the University of Hertfordshire nursing cohort in 2019.

• Lecturer