CWPT Director of Nursing, Kyri Gregoriou, appointed as an Honorary Assistant Professor in the School of Health Sciences
CWPT is pleased to announce the appointment of Kyri Gregoriou, Director of Nursing, as an Honorary Assistant Professor in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Nottingham. The appointment is for a period of three years and is a fantastic opportunity for the Trust to build stronger links with the University.
The University makes a number of these appointments so that distinguished practitioners in their profession, through lectures or seminars with students or by collaboration in research, can strengthen the links between the University and those engaged in practical experience in professions such as nursing.
Since qualifying as a nurse, from the University of Nottingham, Kyri has engaged in sessions with student nurses to feedback on his experience and lessons learnt on the way. Part of his commitment to students has included taking part in mentorship programs, supporting students in leading QI projects. Kyri has also led sessions on interview preparation and supporting students to plan their next steps in the lead up to qualifying.
Kyri speaks to students about his own career path and, as well as focusing on learning, he feels it is important to share where things haven't gone so smoothly. Having navigated a traumatic event during his training when his brother took his own life, and experiencing leadership as a young BAME male, Kyri believes it is important to also share some not so easy experiences, as well as his success that led to his current role as Director of Nursing for CWPT.
Kyri qualified as a mental health nurse in 2010 and went straight into working on an inpatient acute mental health ward, becoming a deputy ward manager after 18 months. After a period working in a crisis team and a community mental health team, he took a role in a prison as a clinical matron. Kyri went on to become a Head of Nursing, building experience as a lead for safety and quality governance, before working as Chief Nurse, Midwife and AHP Lead of Research for the East Midlands CRN (NIHR).
Speaking about his appointment as Honorary Assistant Professor with the University of Nottingham, Kyri said: I think it is essential that as a leader and a nurse, I take the time to meet students to understand their experience, but also help them prepare for that step into qualifying. The leadership journey should start from day one, and we should be able to support everyone to develop. Working closely with the universities also helps to make sure the curriculum fits the needs of the patients. My role with the University also provides a great opportunity to work collaboratively, making sure our qualified, and non-qualified staff, have access to the right development opportunities.