Catherine McArevey
Meet Catherine a dedicated Community Nurse, educator, award-winning volunteer, and Mayor of Dacorum.
| Current job role | A community nurse at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust and a Practice Education Facilitator supporting pre-registration nursing students in clinical practice. |
|---|---|
| Year of graduation | 2013 |
| Course of study | BSc (Hons) Specialist Community Public Health Nursing |
Choosing Herts and choosing nursing
Catherine McArevey has built a career that bridges healthcare and public service. As a Community Nurse at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, she also supports the next generation of nurses as a Practice Education Facilitator, working directly with students in clinical settings. Her journey began at the University of Hertfordshire, where she completed her nursing qualifications and specialist training. ‘The most important learning was that we never know it all and that learning and personal development is a continual process.’ Her time at Herts equipped her with both knowledge and perspective, particularly around the importance of prevention in public health.
Staying close to home was practical, but the reputation of Herts sealed the decision. ‘I chose the University of Hertfordshire as it meant that I didn’t have to leave home and Hertfordshire was highly recommended for the nursing course.’
Advocacy, leadership, and giving back
Catherine’s contributions extend far beyond clinical practice. Her voluntary work, especially supporting victims of domestic abuse, has earned her multiple awards and enriched her professional practice. ‘I have spent many years volunteering in my local community, particularly supporting victims of domestic abuse. I have been fortunate to win multiple awards for this work, and it has also proved beneficial in my nursing career in many ways.’
She is a proud Queen’s Nurse, a published writer, and an advocate for the nursing profession. ‘I advocate for nurses at every opportunity. I enjoy returning to the university to teach, and I am always reminded of the times when I was here as a student.’ Catherine had also volunteered extensively in her local community, and most recently stepped into politics, being elected as a Borough Councillor in 2023, Deputy Mayor in 2024, and Mayor of Dacorum in 2025.
Her motivation to pursue nursing came from a deep desire to make a difference. ‘My career as a nurse, particularly during the covid pandemic, led me to recognise the importance of nurses having a voice politically, and for that reason I was elected as a Borough Councillor in 2023, Deputy Mayor in 2024, and Mayor in 2025.’