Meet our Faculty Researchers – Susan Robinson
Jun 6, 2023 | Research Centre
Research is a crucial element in the healthcare industry, as it contributes significantly to enhancing patient outcomes, advancing knowledge, and shaping the future of practice. One of our faculty researchers, Susan Robinson feels the importance of research in her own practice and teaching. Susan is an experienced Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western University, a Nurse Practitioner degree from Dalhousie, and a Master's in Complementary and Alternative Medicine from the American College of Health Care Sciences. Susan's nursing career began as an outpost nurse, providing healthcare services in remote and rural regions of northern Ontario. For the past ten years, she has specialized in palliative care, which has become her main focus.
As a faculty member at Canadore College, Susan finds immense fulfilment in working with nurses from all over the world. Her shared passion for providing compassionate care results in a diverse classroom environment that encourages mutual learning and understanding. She is dedicated to advancing palliative care education and actively participates in research to achieve this goal.
She recently published her first article, "Understanding Palliative Care Learning: a narrative inquiry exploring healthcare professionals' memorable learning experiences," in Social Science in Medicine. She is currently collaborating with researchers from Dalhousie, Western, and NOSM, examining unique aspects of providing palliative care in home settings. Additionally, she contributes to a scoping review exploring the impacts of grief on healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Susan embarked on her research journey when she pursued her master's thesis, which was centred on providing relief for pain and other symptoms experienced by individuals with life-limiting illnesses using alternative medicine. This journey served as the groundwork for her future research endeavours and sparked her dedication to advancing knowledge in palliative care. When asked for advice for colleagues interested in research, she emphasized the importance of connection and collaboration. Research at Canadore College has enabled her to work alongside diverse individuals who share common interests, fostering an environment of shared learning and knowledge exchange.
Susan believes it is crucial for students to understand the significance of research and its impact on professional growth and societal development. According to her, "Students can contribute to knowledge dissemination and drive progress in their respective fields by generating ideas and exploring them through research methods."
In the realm of palliative care education and research, Susan stands as an inspiring figure. With a dedication to improving patient care, fostering international connections, and exploring the realms of palliative care research, her journey showcases the profound impact research can have on the quality of healthcare delivery. As she continues her pursuits, her passion for advancing palliative care education will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy for both current and future healthcare professionals.