Shirley Weston – Hayles, Registered Nurse

Professional Experience

I qualified as a Registered Nurse in 1988 and whilst I now primarily practice in this role, I am also a qualified midwife, and health visitor with extensive experience across the NHS, private sector, and partner organisations. My clinical practice spans emergency care, medical, surgical, and orthopaedic nursing. In the emergency department, I assess, stabilise, and monitor acutely unwell patients, working competently across majors and resuscitation areas. My surgical nursing includes pre-operative assessments and post-operative care, with expertise in pain management, wound care, intravenous medication administration, and early identification of complications such as sepsis and delayed recovery from anaesthesia.

In orthopaedics, I manage patients with limb loss, prosthetics, and mobility challenges, focusing on fall prevention, pressure ulcer management, and rehabilitation. My medical nursing portfolio includes diabetes management, stroke aftercare, respiratory support, and step-down cardiac care. I am proficient in venepuncture, intravenous cannulation, catheter care, chest drain management, oxygen therapy, and ECG performance. I also contribute to Continuing Healthcare Assessments, applying my broad clinical insight to complex eligibility evaluations.

Professional Development

Alongside clinical duties, I have held operational, management, and leadership roles, leading multidisciplinary teams and implementing service redesign initiatives. My management experience enables me to balance clinical excellence with operational efficiency, ensuring high standards of care within resource constraints. I have led transformational change projects, mentored staff, supported students, and upheld professional standards and accountability. My leadership is grounded in collaborative practice and a clear understanding of healthcare governance. I maintain my professional development by attending relevant training.

Outside of clinical settings, I volunteer as a team lead supporting mothers with young children and serve on a local Police Scrutiny Panel. These roles enhance my analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in evaluating practice against policy and developing evidence-based solutions. They also reinforce my commitment to holistic care and community engagement.