Caitlin Tanner

What Faculty are you based in?

School of Nursing within the Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Science.

How did you come to study at Swansea University?

I started my career in ICU where I worked for three and half years. This was the duration of the coronavirus pandemic, and I faced significant greater challenges as I am bilaterally profoundly deaf. Whilst I started my career as an ICU nurse, I commenced a three-year part-time master’s degree in ‘Education for the Healthcare Professionals.’

The culmination of the above and Julia Terry’s support played a pivotal role in contributing to my achievement of the Swansea University Research Excellence Scholarship (SURES) - I am very appreciative to have received this scholarship to support my PhD.

What is your research topic?

My research topic is the exploration of deaf nurses’ experiences within the United Kingdom. This is under-researched, with gaps in our understandings as to how deaf nurses currently experience clinical practice. In 2023, statistics show that 12 million adults in the UK are deaf or hard of hearing, making this a common disability that can affect anyone (RNID, 2023).

From literature, deaf nurses may leave because they do not receive support, face bullying, and worry about patient care (Johnson, 2019; Durosaiye et al., 2016). This research is looking into preventative measures to potentially losing experienced nurses through age-related hearing loss, and exploring measures of support for those who develop or enter the profession with deafness.

What led to your interest in this area?

As a bilaterally deaf nurse, I faced challenges in understanding the support that could be offered during clinical practice. My personal experiences and observations of deaf colleagues led me to research the challenges faced by deaf nurses.

What do you hope to achieve with your research?

I hope to provide guidance on the support available to deaf nurses, informing policies within the Welsh Government, incorporating deaf awareness into mandatory training, and improving understanding within educational institutions. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the retention and uptake of nurses through effective support measures.

What are the best things about conducting your research at Swansea University?

The supportive faculty and invaluable guidance from my research supervisors have facilitated my effective research approach. I express my gratitude to Julia Terry and Ed Lord for their valuable guidance throughout my PhD.

Opportunities to attend international functions, thanks to support from Swansea University and Worshipful Livery Company, have enabled networking and valuable connections.

What are your future plans?

While my post-PhD plans are not yet defined, I am open to various opportunities, including further research, government work, teaching, consultation, and advisory roles. I am excited about the diverse career paths that my PhD and research could facilitate.