The Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences Educator Presents at International Conference

Thursday, August 02, 2012

Natalie A. Weidman, MSN, RN, Nurse Educator in The Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences Nursing Program, presented "The Lived Experience of the Transition of the Clinical Nurse Expert to the Novice Nurse Educator" on August 2 at the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International's 23rd International Nursing Research Congress in Brisbane, Australia.

The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) members are baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and nurse leaders exhibiting exceptional achievements in nursing. There are more than 125,000 members in 90 countries and more than 700 nurse leaders from around the world will attend the conference.

"The Lived Experience of the Transition of the Clinical Nurse Expert to the Novice Nurse Educator," stems from research Weidman conducted in completing her master's degree in nursing (MSN) at Kutztown University in December.

Weidman's research concentrates on the need for supports for Clinical Nurse Experts moving to the teaching role of Novice Nurse Educator. Supports like mentoring and faculty development programs are vital to a successful transition process, and by examining and improving this transition, nursing schools can make a positive impact in the nursing faculty shortage, Weidman concludes.

In addition to her MSN, Weidman has completed bachelor's and associate degree programs at Alvernia University. She has taught at the School of Health Sciences since 2009 and was an instructor in the Practical Nursing Program at Reading Area Community College in 2008.

Her previous nursing experience includes RN positions at St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading, Laurel Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Hamburg, Pa., Children First Home Health Care and The Reading Hospital and Medical Center and The Reading Rehabilitation Hospital.

She is a member of the Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses, the Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses, Berks Chapter; National League for Nursing, the Pennsylvania League for Nursing, Area 2; and the Pennsylvania Nurses Association.