Meet the team: SaTH Non-Medical Education Team for Pre-registration Nursing
Our Practice Education Facilitator (PEF) team play a vital role in supporting the learning, development and clinical placement experiences of healthcare learners. Working together to provide support to student nurses, nursing associates, and T-Level students, they provide supervision during placement whilst maintaining safe and effective patient care. Read their stories below:
Donna Clark, Lead Nurse for Pre-Registration Nursing Education, Student Nursing Associates and HCSWs
"I began my nursing journey in 1997 when I started my nurse training, qualifying in 2000. My route into nursing wasn’t straightforward — I initially worked as a Healthcare Assistant amongst other jobs while studying for my English GCSE at night school to meet the entry requirements. That experience shaped my values early on hard work, determination and a deep belief that everyone deserves the chance to grow.
In 2000, I was fortunate to secure a Recovery Nursing position at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH). During my time there, I completed both my BSc Nursing degree and my Orthopaedic Nursing qualification, which gave me a strong clinical foundation and a passion for high‑quality patient care.
In 2009, a fantastic opportunity arose to apply for a Clinical Placement Facilitator role at SaTH. As education was always my passion, I took the leap - and I can genuinely say I have felt privileged to be part of the SaTH family ever since. Over the years, I have completed my Master’s in Nurse Education and my PGCE, and I have had the honour of supporting and shaping the journeys of our student nurses for more than 17 years.
In 2021, I became the Lead Nurse for Pre‑Registration Education, a role I hold with great pride. It allows me to influence the education and development of our future workforce, ultimately contributing to safe, high‑quality care for our patients. No two days are ever the same, and I am constantly learning - something I truly value.
Our Pre‑Registration Team is a wonderful place to be. We support students throughout their journey, signpost them when needed, and work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure they have the best possible experience. Although our work is sometimes less visible, it absolutely makes a meaningful impact on both patient and student lives. I feel honoured and privileged to do what I do."
When asked what her favourite thing about her role is, Donna said - "Being part of a student’s journey - watching them grow in confidence, develop their professional identity, and ultimately join the workforce - is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that our support contributes to the future of nursing and to safer, better care for our patients is what motivates me every day."
Also playing a vital role in supporting the education of our pre-registration colleagues are:
Fiona, Senior Practice Education Facilitator
"I qualified in 1990 as a Registered Nurse (RN) after completing my training at University Hospital of North Midlands.
Since qualifying, I was always interested in Education, which led me to complete my diploma in nursing studies on a part-time basis, alongside working. After completion, I went on to complete my degree in nursing studies and my ENB 998.
During this time I gained clinical skills and knowledge across various medical and surgical areas, before moving into a quality role in 2001, which is where I became more interested in education. In 2006, I moved into my current role and have since completed my Masters in Healthcare Policy and more recently my PGCE in Professional and Higher Education.
I thoroughly enjoy the challenges and variation in the role and working with ward/department managers, practice assessors and supervisors to ensure that the Trust provides a quality, nurturing environment for our future workforce. There is nothing more rewarding than being part of the learners celebrating their University graduations and seeing them as registrants within the Trust."
Karon, Practice Education Facilitator (PEF)
"I qualified as a registered nurse in 2012, after completing my training at Staffordshire University based at Shrewsbury.
During my training I had various placements, including in theatres and in a prison (which were my favourites!), so once I qualified I got a job in theatres as a scrub nurse and never looked back! There was lots to learn and working with a wide multi-disciplinary team, you quickly realise how important team work is.
I looked after many different learners within theatres and I always wanted them to have the best experience whilst with us. From this I became part of the professional development team helping to set up the theatre academy of which we were finalists for a nursing times award.
In 2023 I was offered a secondment within the Pre-Registration PEF team which was made permanent later that year. I have enjoyed getting to know the ward managers, practice assessors and supervisors within the Trust, but more importantly seeing our students develop their knowledge and confidence through great experiences on placement and then to see them qualify is very rewarding!"
Kerry, Practice Education Facilitator (PEF)
"I qualified from Derby University as a registered nurse in 2012. During one of my medical ward placements, I had an amazing mentor who was kind and caring and got me involved in so many learning opportunities. This is where my desire to be a good mentor came from - I wanted to make sure that all students had the best placement possible.
From early on in my career I became a mentor, later on transitioning to Practice Assessor/Supervisor. I was the Education Link Nurse for Endoscopy and was very passionate around supporting learners in our area.
In 2022, I was fortunate to be offered a secondment with the Pre-Registration PEF team where I spilt my time between Endoscopy and the PEF team. In 2023 I was made permanent, but I still work clinical shifts in Endoscopy on the bank!
The most rewarding part of my role is seeing our learners qualifying to registered nursing associate/registered nurse out in our clinical areas here within SaTH."
Jacqui, Senior Practice Education Facilitator
"After qualifying as an Adult Nurse in 1995, I undertook further training to support students in placement in my area of practice. I really enjoyed this aspect of my role as it was rewarding to see learners progressing and becoming more confident during the time they were on placement with our team. I needed to complete my BSc degree to progress further as I had qualified with a Diploma HE (RN). I completed this course part time and after graduating I moved into Education permanently. I worked as a clinical placement facilitator in the community across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and then back at SaTH. I have now worked in Education for 22 years (much longer than I worked in a patient facing role).
The best thing about my role is the variety which the role brings with it. Seeing students progress into their professional roles and continue in the Trust on their Registered Nurse or Nursing Associate journey is rewarding. Every day brings a different challenge and an element of unpredictability which I enjoy."
Ruth, Senior Practice Education Facilitator
"I qualified as a Registered Nurse in 2001, completing my training in Hillingdon, Middlesex. Following qualification, I undertook a rotational post, gaining experience across Surgery, Cardiology, and Intensive Care. It was within Critical Care that I found my passion, remaining in the specialty and completing a degree in Critical Care Nursing.
I later travelled throughout Australia, working as a nurse in a variety of healthcare settings before returning to England and settling in Shropshire. In 2007, I joined SaTH, where I worked in both Accident & Emergency and Endoscopy.
In 2018, I joined the Education Team with a specific focus on supporting Student Nursing Associates. I have always enjoyed developing and supporting learners, and this role felt like a natural progression in my career. During my time within the team, I undertook a secondment with the Integrated Care Team, supporting T-Level students across colleges throughout the county. This involved preparing students for practice and securing placement opportunities within the acute Trusts. It was incredibly rewarding to witness the enthusiasm and commitment of young people aged 16–18 who were beginning to explore careers within the NHS.
I have since returned to the Education Team, where I now support pre-registration learners across SaTH. The most rewarding aspect of my role is the opportunity to work with a diverse range of learners, particularly Student Nursing Associates. Watching our dedicated Healthcare Assistants begin their programme and following their journey over two years as they grow in confidence, knowledge, and clinical skills is a privilege. Being able to celebrate their achievements at graduation I often feel like a proud parent, and it remains one of the highlights of my career."
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