Catherine Best

Catherine Best is a nursing lecturer at the University of Bradford, whose research focuses on health inequality. She is module leader for the Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Decision Making Skills module, which supports the skills development of nurses, pharmacists and paramedics.

Since 2001 she has developed a career in public health as a specialist community public health nurse (SCPHN), specialising in occupational health and as a nurse educationalist. Catherine is also an associate lecturer with the University of Hull and has developed a 20 credit postgraduate distance learning module entitled 'Mental Health in the Workplace' for the MSc in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management in partnership with NEBOSH; she is also the supervisor for the students undertaking this module. Catherine is also an external examiner with the University for the viva voce for the Masters in Research (MRes) in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management also in partnership with NEBOSH.

As a SCPHN in occupational health and a nurse educationalist she is committed to positively influencing the provision of high quality healthcare, through both quality leadership and mentorship. Her experiences of working with specialist nurses, senior nurse lecturers and practice teachers whilst previously teaching on the SCPHN Postgraduate occupational health programme and practice teacher module has equipped her with the skills and knowledge to facilitate the development of critically reflective nurse practitioners. Such nurses are able to work collaboratively to develop and deliver high quality evidence based practice within increasingly demanding healthcare environments.

Her commitment to professional nursing practice was recognised in 2012 when she received the Queen’s nurse award in recognition of her commitment to providing high standards of patient care and the continual improvement of professional practice. In 2015 she also became a nominated member of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, which recognises her academic achievements, leadership and dedication to the nursing profession as a global network.

Since 2015, Catherine has presented at a number of National and International conferences and published a number of professional articles and conference papers to promote her passion for nurse mentorship, writing for publication, the health humanities and the importance of critical reflection and action in supporting the delivery of high quality effective nursing care. Catherine is also a board member for the RCN Yorkshire and Humber region having commenced her four year term in January 2017.