Improving the teaching and practice of rural nursing is a long held passion for Professor Karen Francis, the new Head of the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health at Charles Sturt University (CSU).

 

Professor Francis is internationally recognised for her contribution to the development of the discipline of rural nursing.

 

She has a background in community nursing and her research has focused on exploring the realities of nursing in rural environments and rural populations’ health issues.

 

Professor Francis held various positions at CSU from 1995 until 2003, including Head of the School of Clinical Sciences from 2002 to 2003.

 

She now returns to CSU from Monash University, where she was Professor of Rural Nursing and Head of the Gippsland Campus.

 

“I want Charles Sturt University to be the first choice for students studying nursing, midwifery or indigenous health,” she said. “We have enthusiastic staff, flexible study and state-of-the-art clinical laboratories.”

 

Professor Francis is also keen to build on research capacity and to promote the study of higher degrees.

 

“Apart from preparing professional people to work in rural areas, we have the opportunity to drive the research agenda, to look at the issues that impact upon the delivery of health care and to develop new models of care working in partnership with government and the community,” she said.

 

“There is huge scope to look at innovation in education to meet the needs of people in geographically isolated areas.”

 

Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Nick Klomp said the University is delighted to welcome back Professor Francis.

 

“Her academic and professional standing in Australia and internationally is widely acknowledged,” he said. “Such experience and profile fits perfectly with Charles Sturt University’s commitment to the professions and to delivering excellent teaching in nursing, midwifery and Indigenous health.”

 

Professor Francis is Chair of the Royal College of Nursing Australia’s (RCNA) Faculty of Rural Nurses and Midwives, an academic representative on the Nurses Board of Victoria and former President of Australian Rural Nurses and Midwives.

 

She has been appointed a fellow of the RCNA for her service to rural nursing and midwifery and is also a fellow of the Joanna Briggs Institute of Evidenced Based Practice.

 

In her role as an academic, Professor Francis has taught in Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.