KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing hosts annual Research Day
The KZN College of Nursing (KZNCN) hosted its 3rd annual research day on 22 June at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. The symposium was attended by over 250 delegates including college academic staff, nursing education community and stakeholders including higher education academics, researchers, service partners, leaders, policy makers, professional organisations, book publishers, administrators and other research engrossed guests.
The KZNCN was delighted to host this day in recognition of evidence-based scientific contributions from their academic staff. The aim is to showcases the creativity, achievement and research output from its staff members. The symposium also provides a space to interact and discuss cutting edge research topics and to examine the connection between research, nursing education and professional practice. KZNCN Staff are provided a platform to present and display their research work and engage with other staff members and all other stakeholders and college partners.
The College Principal, Dr Sindi Mthembu said: “We take great pride in all the presenters and what they have done, and take every opportunity to brag about them. This event serves as evidence for the college’s drive to scholarship and its move towards higher learning academic scene”. The whole focus of the day was on the scientific accomplishments and celebration of the success of college staff. This year, the college celebrated 12 distinct and scientific presentations which covered a wide-range and diverse research topics, of educational and clinical focus including community service, student attrition, the use of portfolios in nursing education, professionalism, knowledge of nutrition, health education, integration of HIV in mental health care and PMTCT.
The guest speaker at the event, Professor Petra Brysiewics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, motivated college staff not to be ‘research phobic’ and for the presenters to publish their research findings and be involved in research activities. She highlighted the role of nurses as researchers and scientists.
Dr Mthembu also indicated that while the research day celebrates staff research efforts, they also take time to honour the most influential people on their academic careers, the mentors and research promoters. She believes that mentors are pivotal on one’s academic growth and development and their role was recognised and appreciated. She encouraged the relationships to be extended and sustained beyond staff graduation.
