60 Seconds With…. Professor Dave Clarke

RCNi’s new national nursing event, Nursing Live, is being developed in partnership with an advisory board made up of nurses, clinical experts, and other healthcare practitioners, from a wide variety of backgrounds.

We caught up with advisory board member Dave Clarke, a professor of nursing and head of the RCN’s Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme, and asked him about his career, his views on the profession, and why he’s supporting Nursing Live.

How and why did you become a nurse?

A friend of my mother trained as an Enrolled Nurse, and we would sometimes give her a lift from work at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. Sitting in the grand hall of the Victoria Wing while waiting for her piqued my interest in all things medical, which later led to me becoming a nurse. I did my training – followed by ten years working - at the very same hospital.

What inspires you most about the nursing profession?

Over my 30-year nursing career, I have continually met inspirational nurses. We are a fantastic profession, and we’re at the heart of caring for people in need in often challenging situations. The diversity of the profession, and the individuals we work with, is something else I love, as is the fact we are an international community. Working in intensive care, I also literally helped to save lives - and I feel privileged being able to care for people at both their best and worst times.

What is the biggest challenge nurses are facing?

There is no shying away from the shortage of nurses, which is a global issue. It places so much pressure not only on nurses, but on the health system as a whole.

Who do you admire most within the nursing profession?

That’s a really tough question, but Edith Cavell always comes to mind. Her bravery, and her non-discriminatory approach were remarkable.

What advances have you seen in your career?

When I first started as a nurse, I couldn’t have dreamt of the advances in technology we’ve seen, and how they have changed what we do. For example, recording vital signs on a digital device the size of an iPhone, or the use of virtual wards, it is transforming how we care for patients and train our staff.

What do you think nurses need right now?

To be listened to, and to be celebrated. We also need to encourage more people to join the profession. That’s why I love being head of the RCN Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme which works with young people to help them explore nursing as a career.

Do you have a message for nurses?

Be proud of what you do. We make a difference to people every day, and they remember us for that.

What are your reasons for wanting to be involved with Nursing Live?

I have worked in nursing education for a long time, and I think an event such as Nursing Live will offer a great opportunity for all nurses to learn, boost their professional development, and network with colleagues.