The curriculum developer of the innovative Ipswich-based Bachelor of Nursing program has been recognised with an excellence in teaching award by The University of Queensland.
Associate Professor Cathy Turner, Coordinator of Research and Research Higher Degrees in the School of Nursing, received a $10,000 UQ Award for Excellence in Teaching at a special ceremony this week. She was one of 11 UQ educators to be recognised as part of the annual awards.
Associate Professor Turner received the award for her key role in development of the curriculum model for the Nursing program, which has received recognition within the nursing profession nationally. The program, launched in 2004, provides students with a unique integration of theoretical and clinical teaching. Nursing students nominate a teaching hospitals, where they are based and educated by practising professionals. To complement this clinical approach, students also attend university lectures at Ipswich Campus.
“Developing this innovative program has been my most rewarding professional experience. I believe this program leads the way nationally in undergraduate education for nurses,” Associate Professor Turner said.
The program, which responds to professional and industry demands, has received endorsement from the Chair of the National Nursing Review and details of the program have already been presented at national and international nursing conferences.
“It was timely to develop a very different nursing program. The profession was undergoing a critical shortage nationally and internationally and the quality of undergraduates programs was the subject of two national reviews. We decided to develop a very different program in partnership with the health sector that responded to the recommendations of these reviews,” she said.
“The program ensures students are well prepared for beginning professional practice and enables them to make a smooth transition into the workforce. I believe these students will become changes agents in the health sector and will have a significant impact on the nursing profession in the future,” Assoc Prof Turner said.
The program, first offered in 2004 has attracted strong student numbers, including some from interstate and will see its first 95 graduates in the middle of next year. The Federal Government has responded to UQ requests to increase nursing students numbers and 160 places are on offer for next year.
For more information, please contact Faculty Communications officer Marlene McKendry at (07) 33464713 or 0401 996847.
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