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Mr Nelson Selvaraj
Teams and roles for Nelson Selvaraj
Lecturer: Adult Nursing
Overview
I am a lecturer (Adult nursing) at the School of Healthcare Sciences, and I teach, assess and supervise students across undergraduate nursing programme. I am the Numeracy Lead for nursing which is integral to ensuring that students meet programme requirements for drug calculation competencies.
My background is Critical Care (Adult) and my special interests are simulated practice, cardio-respiratory physiology, airway management, mechanical ventilation, sedation management, organ donation and infection control. In 2015, I completed my MSc. Critical Care (Distinction) at Cardiff University.
During the COVID pandemic, I collaborated with other experienced critical care lecturers and delivered two-full days of teaching and simulation that covers areas such as safety procedures, airway assessment & ventilation and cardiovascular assessment. We trained more than 200 ward-based staff nurses and other allied healthcare professionals in a short space of time. At the peak of the pandemic, I have also worked as a volunteer at the Mass Vaccination Centres in Cardiff to contribute to the vaccination rollout.
I won the prestigious Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales 'Nurse of the Year Award 2023' - Nurse Education category in June 2023.
I am a trustee of the Believe Organ Donor Support charity and have been supporting their incredible work through fundraising, volunteering and raising awareness of organ donation. I am a runner and have raised funds for good causes. I also regularly volunteer at the Cardiff Half Marathon and Butetown Mile, and am a novice gardener.
Publication
2025
- Barklam, A., Selvaraj, N., Smith, P. and Tod, J. 2025. Using virtual reality to train student nurses in medicine management. Nursing Times 121, article number: 1.
2024
- Selvaraj, N. 2024. You can do it!. [Online]. RCBC Wales. Available at: https://www.rcbcwales.org.uk/you-can-do-it
- Selvaraj, N., Baillie, J., Edwards, D. and Jones, J. 2024. Exploring the challenges experienced by Intensive Care Unit nurses during the organ donation process: a scoping review. Presented at: Welsh Intensive Care Society Summer Conference, Cardigan, Wales, 02 July 2024.
2023
- Selvaraj, N., Baillie, J., Edwards, D. and Jones, J. 2023. Exploring the challenges experienced by the Intensive Care Unit nurses during the organ donation process – a scoping review protocol. [Online]. Open Science Framework. Available at: https://osf.io/yf6cq/
- Parry, A. and Selvaraj, N. 2023. Effective handovers on escalation of care for the deteriorating patient. Nursing Standard 38(3), pp. 77-81. (10.7748/ns.2023.e12078)
- Selvaraj, N. and Crawford, O. 2023. Undergraduate student nurses’ learning experiences with the Wales Virtual Hospital - 360° still environment e-learning package – A pilot evaluation. Presented at: Learning and Teaching Conference 2023, Centre for Student Life, Cardiff University, 07 September 2023.
- Selvaraj, N. 2023. Improving undergraduate nursing students’ drug calculation skills – A multi-modal approach. Presented at: Royal College of Nursing Education Forum National Conference & Exhibition 2023, Birmingham Conference and Events Centre, 25-26 April 2023.
- Tod, J., Selvaraj, N., Barklam, A. and Smith, P. 2023. Using virtual reality in medicine management education for children's nurses strengths and pitfalls. Presented at: Royal College of Nursing Education Forum National Conference & Exhibition 2023, Birmingham Conference and Events Centre, 25-26 April 2023.
- Selvaraj, N. et al. 2023. In-Point assessment. Authentic simulation role play, as a pedagogical approach to assist adult nursing students with clinical practice assessments: A collaborative approach between academic and professional support staff in the School of Healthcare Sciences. Presented at: Learning and Teaching Conference 2023, Centre for Student Life, Cardiff University, 7 September 2023.
- Hughes, S. et al. 2023. Authentic simulation role play , as a pedagogical approach to assist adult nursing students with clinical practice assessments.. Presented at: Cardiff University Learning and Teaching Conference 7th September 2023, 07 September 2023.
- Hughes, S. et al. 2023. In-Point assessment: Evaluating authentic simulated role play, as a pedagogical approach to assist adult nursing students with clinical practice assessments. Presented at: Chief Nursing Officer for Wales National Conference 2023.
2018
- Selvaraj, N. 2018. Writing an article provided a chance to gain valuable feedback. Nursing Standard 32(30), pp. 65-65. (10.7748/ns.32.30.65.s38)
2017
- Selvaraj, N. 2017. Use of dexmedetomidine infusion as a sedative drug for patients in the intensive care unit. Nursing Standard 31(44), pp. 42-50. (10.7748/ns.2017.e10338)
2014
- Selvaraj, N. 2014. Evaluating the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine as a sedative drug among mechanically ventilated adult critically ill patients. , Cardiff University.
2010
- Selvaraj, N. 2010. Artificial humidification for the mechanically ventilated patient. Nursing Standard 25(8), pp. 41-46. (10.7748/ns.25.8.41.s48)
Articles
- Barklam, A., Selvaraj, N., Smith, P. and Tod, J. 2025. Using virtual reality to train student nurses in medicine management. Nursing Times 121, article number: 1.
- Parry, A. and Selvaraj, N. 2023. Effective handovers on escalation of care for the deteriorating patient. Nursing Standard 38(3), pp. 77-81. (10.7748/ns.2023.e12078)
- Selvaraj, N. 2018. Writing an article provided a chance to gain valuable feedback. Nursing Standard 32(30), pp. 65-65. (10.7748/ns.32.30.65.s38)
- Selvaraj, N. 2017. Use of dexmedetomidine infusion as a sedative drug for patients in the intensive care unit. Nursing Standard 31(44), pp. 42-50. (10.7748/ns.2017.e10338)
- Selvaraj, N. 2010. Artificial humidification for the mechanically ventilated patient. Nursing Standard 25(8), pp. 41-46. (10.7748/ns.25.8.41.s48)
Conferences
- Selvaraj, N., Baillie, J., Edwards, D. and Jones, J. 2024. Exploring the challenges experienced by Intensive Care Unit nurses during the organ donation process: a scoping review. Presented at: Welsh Intensive Care Society Summer Conference, Cardigan, Wales, 02 July 2024.
- Selvaraj, N. and Crawford, O. 2023. Undergraduate student nurses’ learning experiences with the Wales Virtual Hospital - 360° still environment e-learning package – A pilot evaluation. Presented at: Learning and Teaching Conference 2023, Centre for Student Life, Cardiff University, 07 September 2023.
- Selvaraj, N. 2023. Improving undergraduate nursing students’ drug calculation skills – A multi-modal approach. Presented at: Royal College of Nursing Education Forum National Conference & Exhibition 2023, Birmingham Conference and Events Centre, 25-26 April 2023.
- Tod, J., Selvaraj, N., Barklam, A. and Smith, P. 2023. Using virtual reality in medicine management education for children's nurses strengths and pitfalls. Presented at: Royal College of Nursing Education Forum National Conference & Exhibition 2023, Birmingham Conference and Events Centre, 25-26 April 2023.
- Selvaraj, N. et al. 2023. In-Point assessment. Authentic simulation role play, as a pedagogical approach to assist adult nursing students with clinical practice assessments: A collaborative approach between academic and professional support staff in the School of Healthcare Sciences. Presented at: Learning and Teaching Conference 2023, Centre for Student Life, Cardiff University, 7 September 2023.
- Hughes, S. et al. 2023. Authentic simulation role play , as a pedagogical approach to assist adult nursing students with clinical practice assessments.. Presented at: Cardiff University Learning and Teaching Conference 7th September 2023, 07 September 2023.
- Hughes, S. et al. 2023. In-Point assessment: Evaluating authentic simulated role play, as a pedagogical approach to assist adult nursing students with clinical practice assessments. Presented at: Chief Nursing Officer for Wales National Conference 2023.
Thesis
- Selvaraj, N. 2014. Evaluating the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine as a sedative drug among mechanically ventilated adult critically ill patients. , Cardiff University.
Websites
- Selvaraj, N. 2024. You can do it!. [Online]. RCBC Wales. Available at: https://www.rcbcwales.org.uk/you-can-do-it
- Selvaraj, N., Baillie, J., Edwards, D. and Jones, J. 2023. Exploring the challenges experienced by the Intensive Care Unit nurses during the organ donation process – a scoping review protocol. [Online]. Open Science Framework. Available at: https://osf.io/yf6cq/
Research
I was awared the Research Capacity Building Collaboration (RCBC) Wales, First into Research Fellowship in 2023 and my project was a scoping review exploring the challenges experienced by Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses during the organ donation process; here is my blog.
Exploring the challenges experienced by Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses during the organ donation process - A scoping review
Background Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses play an important role in facilitating the organ donation process. However, caring for potential organ donors and their families can be a challenging prospect for many ICU nurses. Given the heterogeneous nature of donor care, a scoping review to explore available evidence on the challenges that ICU nurses experience during the organ donation process is valuable.
Aims To explore the challenges experienced by ICU nurses during the organ donation process and identify models or strategies that may support them when caring for potential organ donors and their families during the organ donation process.
Methods The review followed JBI methodology for scoping reviews and was reported using PRISMA-ScR. The following databases were searched for eligible studies from the first available start date of the individual database to December 2023: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, OVID EMCARE (all via Ovid), Cochrane library, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL (via EBSCO). A public representative with family experience of organ donation was involved in developing the protocol and search strategy. The review protocol was registered on Open Science Framework.
Results A total of 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were qualitative (n=20) and most originated from non-European countries (n=21). Seven key challenges were identified: direct patient care, care of the families, concept of brain death, ethical challenges, emotional challenges, challenges around communication and organizational challenges. Support models include debriefing and reflection, training and education, organisational support and availability of guidelines and protocols for organ donation.
Conclusion ICU nurses experience several challenges during the organ donation process. Improved understanding of the nature of challenges can facilitate the implementation of supportive strategies which will ultimately improve the quality of care, consent rates and the overall experience of nurses and donors’ families.
Keywords: Organ donation; Intensive Care Unit; ICU nurse; barriers; challenges
Protocol in Open Science Forum https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/YF6CQ
Teaching
I currently lead the year two undergraduate (UG) nursing module 'Developing Adult Nursing Practice' (Spring intake). I teach across the three year UG nursing programme and most of the subjects I teach are linked to acute and critical care. I am heavily involved in leading and delivering a variety of clinical skills sessions across the programme. I also supervise students undertaking undergraduate dissertations. I am the numeracy lead for nursing which is integral to ensuring that students meet programme requirements for drug calculation competencies.
I am an External Examiner at University of Hertfordshire.
Biography
After 18 years clinical career in critical care, I joined the School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University in 2015 as a lecturer in adult nursing.
My previous role as a senior band 7 charge nurse in one of the largest critical care units in north-west England was diverse. My main responsibilities were leading and co-ordinating shifts and ensuring adequate staffing levels and skills mix to meet the patient care needs. I have led several local service improvement projects during my tenure. In 2013, I became the Education and Development Practitioner for critical care and supported staff development through preceptorship and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses.
In my previous role, I taught both on the university accredited programmes (Post-Certificate / Diploma Critcal Care Courses) and nationally recognised courses (Acute Illness Management Course). I also organised and facilitated a number of study days and simulation-based training (Tracheostomy, Sedation Management, Haemofiltration and Central Venous Catheters) for critical care nurses.
Qualifications
- MSc. Critical Care (Distinction), Cardiff University
- Post Graduate Certificate in Education, Bolton University
- Post-Basic Diploma in Critical Care, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
- BSc. Nursing, The Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University, India
Honours and awards
- Winner: Royal College of Nursing Wales Nurse of the Year Awards - Nurse Education (2023)
- Finalist: Excellence in Civic Mission Award (2020)
- Nominated: Cardiff Students' Union Enriching Student Life Awards - Most Uplifting Staff Member (2019)
- Student nominated: Lecturer of the year (2019)
Professional memberships
- Registered Nurse (Adult), Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Registered Teacher, Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Welsh Intensive Care Society
- Royal College of Nursing, Nurse of the Year Alumni
Academic positions
- 2015 - current: Lecturer (Adult Nursing), Cardiff University
Contact Details
+44 29206 87801
Ty Dewi Sant, Floor 3rd Floor, Room 3.11, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN
Research themes
Specialisms
- Critical Care