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Mrs Donna Gallagher

Profile summary

Professional biography

My name is Donna Gallagher, I have been working for the Open University now for 10 years.  I began my teaching career with the Open University as an Associate Lecturer teaching Openings modules of study with a focus on Widening Participation.  I took up my permanent post, part time as a Nursing Co ordinator on the pre registration nursing programme in 2004, progressing to a Staff Tutor, Nursing role developing and managing the pre registration nursing programme in region 12, Ireland.  There are currently 120 students on the nursing programme in Northern Ireland, who work across five Health and Social Care Trusts as Nursing assistants and Health care assistants. 

I became a Senior Lecturer, Nursing in 2009 and enjoy my role in the region working with the Department of Health in Northern Ireland (DHSSPSNI), the 5 Health and Social Care Trusts, The PHA, NIPEC and many other organisations as it is varied role which provides job satisfaction.  It is exciting to be involved in enabling health care support staff to reach their full potential, gaining a professional and academic qualification in Nursing.  The success of the Open University pre registration nursing programme in Northern Ireland is based on true partnership with the employers and sponsors.

Research interests

At present I am keenly pursing some research and evaluation in relation to the successful outcomes of the Open University pre registration nursing programme in Northern Ireland.

Teaching interests

My main interests in teaching are in mental health and recovery. I have a keen interest in the use of cognitive behavioural therapy in recovery.  I am also very enthusiastic about the need for all nurses to have a broad understanding of the principles of health promotion.

Publications

Working at the coal face: The contribution of Programme Tutors in supporting practice-based learning in nursing (2010-09)
McDonagh, Lin; Draper, Jan; Davies, Gillian; Mowbray, Wendy and Gallagher, Donna
In : Nurse Education Today Conference (07-09 Sep 2010, Cambridge)


Crossing the threshold: students' experiences of the transition from student to staff nurse (2009-09-08)
Draper, Janet; Sparrow, Shelagh and Gallagher, Donna
In : Nurse Education Today Conference (8-10 Sep 2009, University of Cambridge)


Crossing the Threshold: Students' Experiences of the Transition from Student to Staff Nurse (2010)
Draper, Janet; Sparrow, Shelagh and Gallagher, Donna
The OU, Milton Keynes.