Research

The School of Nursing, Midwifery & Indigenous Health is committed to different, but related, aspects of research education. Traditionally, and correctly, one of the key roles of a University is to promote the generation of new knowledge to help solve clinical problems. This has meant that often research activity has been seen as something undertaken only by elite individuals within a particular discipline. However, all health professionals in their everyday lives are attempting to provide effective care and efficient solutions to clinical problems. This means that all graduates of our programs need to have skills in accessing and understanding research and applying it appropriately in their clinical work.

In order to help develop this "research connoisseurship" in our students we integrate skills in information literacy, statistical literacy, and critical analysis into our undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Students have the opportunity to extend their problem-solving, data analysis skills, and scholarship by completing research projects in the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours), Master of Nursing (Research), Master of Midwifery (Research), or the Doctor of Philosophy program. To maintain the clinical relevance of our research program, students work in collaboration with staff of relevant clinical facilities. This valuable liaison is further assisted by the availability of University of Wollongong Foundation Ltd Research and Development Scholarships and the support and guidance of a University of Wollongong / Illawarra Area Health Service Joint Director of Research.

The School of Nursing, Midwifery & Indigenous Health has five research strengths:

• evidence based practice
• continuity of care
• consumer partnerships/collaboration
• nursing workforce and staff mentorship
• mental health nursing

Details about these can be found at individual staff members' webpages.

Research enquiries can be directed to Dr Allison Shorten.