Zoe Polly
Academic and research departments
School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.Biography
Having graduated from the University of Surrey in 2004, I began my Children's nursing career at Frimley Park Hospital on a general Children's Ward caring from children from 10 days to 18 years with a range of acute care needs including medical, surgical and high dependency patients. In 2007, I completed my mentorship training before becoming a sign off mentor.
I progressed to ward sister in 2009 before also becoming a tutor practitioner with the University of Surrey and Frimley Park Hospital. I moved into a full time education at the University of Surrey in 2012 and completed my PGCE and PG Dip in Learning and Teaching in 2014. I continue to actively undertake clinical practice at Frimley Park. I am currently undertaking my PhD exploring the psychosocial needs of siblings when a brother or sister is diagnosed with cancer. Through clinical practice, education and research, improving the experiences of children and families is my greatest driver.
University roles and responsibilities
- Child Field Lead
- Personal Tutor
- Practice Liaison Tutor
Research
Research interests
My own first degree research involved an audit of post-operative pain relief for children following an adeno-tonsillectomy.
My main areas of research interest include children with chronic conditions, oncology, sibling support, transitional care and adolescents, ethics in child health, pain management and assessment. I am actively involved in a number of current research projects and engaging in various activities to develop my research knowledge, understanding and skills. I am currently undertaking my PhD exploring the psychosocial needs of siblings when a brother or sister is diagnosed with cancer.
My teaching
I actively teach across all professional preparation child field modules plus nursing modules in Year 2 and 3 of the pre-registration curriculum. I have a specialist interest in the effects of hospitalisation on the family, pain assessment and pain management, pharmacology, clinical simulation and acute care skills.