Murray Sherriff-Short

I qualified as a Registered Nurse in 2009 with a Bachelor of Nursing from Glasgow Caledonian University. In 2013, I completed postgraduate study in Critical Care Nursing, followed by a Master of Science in Advancing Practice in 2018, my dissertation examined the interhospital transfer of critical care patients.

I have extensive clinical experience in surgical nursing and contributed to the establishment of the first Enhanced Recovery Unit within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. I moved into Intensive Care Nursing in 2011, progressing into Practice Educator and subsequently Charge Nurse roles, before joining the Critical Care Outreach team in 2017.

I joined the University of the West of Scotland in May 2022 as a Lecturer within the Adult Nursing Community and Health team, and in 2024 transitioned to the Operating Department Practitioners team, although I teach across all programmes within the Faculty. 

I currently contribute to teaching across the BSc Graduate Apprentice Operating Department Practice programme, as well as the undergraduate and postgraduate nursing programmes. My teaching draws on extensive clinical experience in acute, surgical, and critical care settings, enabling me to support learners in developing the knowledge, technical skills, and professional behaviours required for safe, effective practice.

I have a particular interest in critical care nursing, with a focus on clinical assessment, recognition of deterioration, and the application of evidence‑based interventions in high‑acuity environments. This continues to shape my approach to simulation‑based learning, clinical skills teaching, and curriculum development.

In addition, I am increasingly engaged in the growing field of sustainability in nursing. I am passionate about supporting students to understand the environmental impact of healthcare, adopt sustainable clinical practices, and contribute to wider organisational efforts to reduce carbon emissions and waste within healthcare systems. This aligns with my commitment to preparing future practitioners who can deliver high‑quality care while contributing to the long‑term resilience and sustainability of health services.

I am currently involved in a study exploring how newly qualified nurses draw upon the NMC Standards of Proficiency and associated platforms as they transition into clinical practice. This research examines the extent to which early‑career nurses feel their education has prepared them for real‑world practice, with a particular focus on confidence, readiness, and the application of core proficiencies in diverse clinical environments. The work aims to generate insights that can inform curriculum development, enhance pre‑registration programmes, and strengthen support for the transition from student to registered practitioner.