Academic staff promotions

In 2024 several of our academics who demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and performance were promoted. These promotions reflect our commitment to recognising and nurturing talent within our school, ensuring that we continue to grow and excel in our industry. Their contributions along with all our staff have been instrumental in driving our success. Congratulations to:

• Professor Gabrielle Brand
• Associate Professor Jacqui Allen
• Associate Professor Malcolm Elliott
• Associate Professor Cliff Connell
• Associate Professor Tamsin Jones

Adjuncts

We were delighted to welcome several new adjunct appointments in 2024. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to our school, enhancing our ability to deliver exceptional value and innovation in our education programs and research projects.

• Adjunct Professor Katrina Nankervis - Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery and Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Monash Health
• Adjunct Professor Ged Williams - Chief Nursing Officer, Alfred Health
• Adjunct Professor Megan Mills - Group Director Nursing and Clinical Education, Cabrini Health
• Adjunct Associate Professor Judy Reeves - Director of Nursing Education and Professional Development, Alfred Health
• Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor Janine Davies - Director of Nursing, Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, Peninsula Health

Dean's Award for Excellence in Education: Innovation in Learning and Teaching

Awarded to the NUR1112 and NUR1114 team: Dr. Auxillia Madhuvu, Dr. Emma Ashton, Dr. Natalie Bennett, James Bonnamy, Associate Professor Cliff Connell, Dr. Dylan Fox, Dr. Andree Gamble, Monica O'Halloran, Jacinta Pitman, Elise Randle-Barrett, Dr. Renee Rogers, and Yasmin Zisin.

This award recognizes the team's innovative approach in crafting and delivering two units that blend bioscience with clinical nursing in the first-year curriculum. By effectively linking bioscience with nursing, the team has addressed student engagement and attrition challenges. Their integrated approach bridges theoretical knowledge with clinical practice through real-life scenarios in tutorials and simulations. Lecture and textbook content are seamlessly incorporated into scenario discussions, practical skill development, and post-class activities via Moodle. The results include:

• Improved student engagement and satisfaction
• Recognition of bioscience's importance in nursing
• Enhanced academic performance
• Reduced attrition rates
• Valuable feedback for ongoing unit development
• Published research

Dean's Award for Excellence in Education: Programs that Enhance Learning

Awarded to the MNM ICU Team: Dr. Pauline Wong, Ange Clarke, Kelly Ottosen, Associate Professor Wendy Pollock, Melissa Njoku, and Carly Rienecker.

This award recognizes the ICU team's contribution to a sixfold increase in the successful completion of highly skilled ICU nurse graduates since 2019. Central to their success has been their ability to establish and grow industry partnerships with major healthcare networks across Victoria and peak professional bodies. Their high level of engagement in industry partnership activities has contributed to quality student learning and experiences, enhancing Monash’s reputation for world-class education. All team members are actively involved in national peak professional bodies, such as the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses and the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society. Their research and educational pursuits strengthen the critical care nursing workforce, ultimately having a positive impact on the health, social, and economic outcomes of our community.

Dean's Award for Excellence in Education: Industry Education Programs

Awarded to the MNM Emergency Nursing team: Louise Shorten, Alysha Cowley, Associate Professor Cliff Connell, Kathryn Pristupa, Associate Professor Tamsin Jones, Associate Professor Kelli Innes, Rebecca Winter, Professor Julia Morphet, and Sam Dix.

This award recognizes the Monash Emergency Nursing stream teaching team's robust track record of innovation and excellence in emergency nursing education. Pioneering a hybrid teaching model prior to the widespread adoption of online learning during COVID-19, the team has significantly improved the accessibility and quality of emergency nursing education across Australia. Their efforts facilitated the expansion of the program nationally, enabling engagement from students in remote areas. The team's approach integrates real-world clinical experiences, significantly enhancing student outcomes and aligning with Monash’s educational excellence goals. Their continued growth in industry collaboration and educational innovation positions them as leaders in shaping the future of emergency nursing.

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

Professor Niels Buus and Dr Edward Zimbudzi were recognised at the 35th Sigma International Research Congress in Singapore last month. Professor Buss was inducted into the Sigma International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame which honours nurse researchers who have achieved significant and sustained national and/or international recognition for their work, and whose research has impacted the profession and the people it serves.

Dr Edward Zimbudzi was one of five Sigma Emerging Nurse Researcher/Scholar Award honourees from Sigma’s seven global regions whose research or scholarship has influenced the nursing profession and the people it serves.

In announcing these awards, Sigma President Sandra C. Garmon said that “On behalf of the International Board of Directors, staff, and Sigma members worldwide, I am thrilled to recognise these outstanding emerging nurse researchers and scholars. I look forward to witnessing the impact of their work and their continued contributions to nursing research and knowledge.”

Monash Partners’ inaugural Early and Mid-Career Research (ECMR) Award

Congratulations to Dr Edward Zimbudzi who we are thrilled to announce is one of the winners of the Monash Partners Academic Health Science Centre Inaugural Award for Health Services Research!

Edward was recognised with this award as an Early and Mid-Career Researcher for his outstanding leadership in health services research.

This award highlights his dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and advancing research in the field. We look forward to seeing all the incredible work Edward will continue to do in the future.