Rate My Professor Catherine Norris

Catherine Norris is Head of Nursing and Associate Professor in Nursing within Swansea University's College of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences. She joined the university over 20 years ago following a successful clinical career in the National Health Service as a burns and critical care nurse in acute adult nursing. Transitioning into nurse education to help, support, and develop future nurses, Norris was promoted to Head of Nursing in 2021. In this role, she has led innovative and creative projects, particularly during challenging times for higher education institutions.

Norris has spearheaded the development of several new full- and part-time pre-registration nursing programmes, including flexible degrees in adult and mental health nursing that launched successfully—the adult nursing course welcomed its first students in April 2024 and has been highly popular among working carers and career changers. She has also supported the creation of part-time and Master of Science programmes, as well as continuous professional development and postgraduate offerings to widen access to nursing education. Collaborating with health boards, she ensures effective placement structures. As the School's lead on international education and Welsh language champion, she creates an inclusive and supportive environment prioritizing student wellbeing. A long-standing member of the All-Wales Pre-registration Nursing and Midwifery Group, she contributed to implementing the Nursing and Midwifery Council Future Nurse Standards in Wales. She co-edited the fourth edition of Acute & critical care in adult nursing with Desiree Tait and David Barton. Her leadership in nurse education earned her runner-up position in the 2025 RCN Wales Nurse of the Year Award for Nurse Education.