Research to improve care for children and their families has led to international recognition for Charles Sturt University (CSU) Professor of Nursing Linda Shields.

Professor Shields from the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health at CSU in Bathurst, will be inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in Washington next week.

It's an honour that's not usually bestowed on those outside the United States and Professor Shields is one of only three Australian nurses being recognised.

Professor Shields said, "There are very few international Fellows so it's a great privilege that recognises the importance and relevance of my work to nursing as a profession.

"My research has two main focuses, the way children and families are cared for when they come for health care, and the history of nursing ethics – notably the role of nurses and midwives in Nazi Europe.

"This award shows the importance of highlighting the history of the ethics of nursing and how it translates into clinical practice, in this case, the way care is given to children and families."

Professor Shields was the first nurse in Australia to be awarded a higher doctorate. She was awarded a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Queensland for her work on family-centred care in paediatrics.

She's recently joined CSU and will share her expertise in paediatric care with students and continue to pursue research interests in history and ethics.

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said, "We are very pleased that Linda has joined Charles Sturt University. Her work is absolutely in line with our commitment to research that improves and transforms professional practice. I'm thrilled that she has been recognised with such a prestigious award."

Professor Shields said her role as Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing will benefit teaching and learning at CSU.

"Being inducted as a Fellow will put my work at Charles Sturt University on the international health care stage," she said.

"I'll also be able to learn about policy and governance of the nursing profession internationally and bring that back to Australia and the University.

"I hope to be able to promote the importance and relevance of teaching history in nursing and midwifery, and I will be able to forge new and innovative international research links."

Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing are nursing's most accomplished leaders in education management, practice and research.

Professor Shields will be made a Fellow of the Academy during the Transforming Health Driving Policy Conference at the Grand Hyatt Washington, Washington DC from Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 October.