Bolton Clarke and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have committed to a new research position designed to strengthen evidence-based nursing practice in aged care.
The role, which will sit jointly with Bolton Clarke and within QUT’s School of Nursing, will further develop knowledge and evidence-based nursing practice to support better outcomes for older people receiving care.
Appointee Dr Linda Schnitker is a QUT School of Nursing academic, a leader in dementia research and an advocate for nursing careers in aged care.
In 2021 she took leave from academia to work as part of Bolton Clarke’s Senior Clinical Nurse Adviser team.
Bolton Clarke Executive General Manager Care, Innovation and Quality Wendy Zernike said the new role formalised a longstanding relationship between two highly respected institutions, both with a long legacy of providing innovative solutions within our Queensland community.
“Symbiotic partnerships like this are ultimately what will improve how we approach maintaining and improving the health of our population,” she said.
“We know 50% of residents in residential aged care live with Dementia. Having Linda, who is a Dementia expert, in this position brings a level of practical nursing expertise in a research setting, which is so important to the care we deliver to our clients every day.
“This appointment will help us boost research capacity for undergraduate and post-graduate nursing students at QUT while supporting frontline nurses at Bolton Clarke.”
QUT Head of School of Nursing, Professor Jane Phillips, said: “This appointment will strengthen the nexus between aged care education, research and clinical practice.”
