Anthony McGrath

Anthony is a University Head of Department and an Education Advisor to the officer selection board for the Military service.

Anthony has worked in exciting clinical settings; as a registered practice Nurse at the Royal London Hospital and as Captain Nurse Officer for the British army and Royal Air Force, in Iraq and Basra.

Anthony studied our MSc Nursing degree at City, before commencing his admirable senior positions in education and military. Alongside his full time position, Anthony is an active scholar,author and member on the editorial board of the GI Nursing journal.

Where and when did you achieve your first registration and what further training or education have you done?

I qualified as a RGN and began my nursing career in 1983 as a mental health nurse in Ireland. A career in London then beckoned and I took up a post in a mental health unit dealing with acute mental health issues. By 1987 new challenges and opportunities emerged and I commenced General Nurse training at St Marys Hospital in Paddington.

In 1992 I completed a part time evening BA (Hons) in Social Sciences at the University of Westminster to increase my opportunities in the field of Nursing. I then completed a PGCE whilst working at the Royal London Hospital. Finally I completed my MSc in Nursing at City, University of London in 1994.

What is your current or most recent job title and what did it involve?

I now hold a senior university position in the department of Nursing after holding the position of the Acting Head of Department of Adult Nursing at City, University of London following principle lecturer posts on the Adult Nursing and Colorectal Nursing courses. During my time in education I have co-authored a clinical text book on stoma care and I am a member on the editorial board of the GI Nursing journal.

Alongside my University post, I am also education advisor to the officer selection board for the Army. This follows my previous high level nursing military positions as mentioned below.

Prior to my education posts I worked at the Royal London Hospital practicing in Cardiac Nursing, Accident and Emergency (A&E), Trauma Care, Respiratory Care, HIV and Gastrointestinal Nursing.

I have been lucky enough to join the army reserves as a captain nursing officer and worked in a military hospital in Basra in 2004 and at the US Air force Hospital in Iraq.

Who are your clients/patients?

I currently manage a team of over 60 academic staff as part of my Adult Nursing and Midwifery department.

In my military roles I have provided nursing care for military soldiers and worked with nurses and army officers from the QARANC. Whilst working in clinical settings with the Royal London Hospital and at St Mary’s Hospital, my patients were adults on the various wards in which I worked on!

Do you work full time, part time and any particular pattern of hours?

I currently work full- time hours, although my hours with the Army varied with my deployment.

What are the best things about your job?

My job in the army offers me the opportunity to remain abreast and current with clinical issues whilst I further develop my academic career in my University role. I feel that I am able to get the best of both worlds!

Do you have any thoughts about your future career or acitivties?

I am currently taking a doctorate in Professional practice to further advance my research and skills in this area and would like to continue my work as an academic author.