Indigenous Nurse Research Fellow commences in CRRAH

USQ is further strengthening its reputation as a leader in Indigenous education with the employment of an Indigenous Nurse Research Fellow.

Funded by Queensland Health, Raelene Ward will work in the University’s Centre for Rural and Remote Area Health (CRRAH) where she will conduct research into the health issues facing Indigenous communities.

USQ’s Professor Don Gorman, Director of CRRAH, said this is the first position of its kind in Queensland, and will allow the centre to conduct research for and about Indigenous people in a culturally appropriate manner.

'An Indigenous researcher is more likely to be seen as credible and acceptable to Indigenous communities,' he said

'Given past experiences of Indigenous communities with culturally inappropriate research and the consequent mistrust of researchers, this is a critical factor in being able to undertake research to benefit Indigenous communities.'

Raelene worked with CRRAH for three years prior to this appointment, and worked on an Indigenous suicide prevention project, Building Bridges, Learning from the Experts.

Stemming from her work on this project Raelene was awarded the 2009 Life Awards Indigenous Category which recognises the work of people who have made an outstanding contribution to suicide prevention within Australia.

'Raelene completed her nursing undergraduate degree at USQ and is currently completing her Master of Health at USQ. It is hoped the initial funding from Queensland Health will act as seeding funding and that this position will be self funded in future years.”'

The University’s Indigenous nursing program has developed a reputation for quality and has become so popular that this year USQ graduated the highest number of Indigenous nursing students nationally.

'This initiative only further highlights USQ’s commitment to Indigenous health and education.'