UNIVERSITY of South Australia clinical nurse Heidi Holla has received international recognition from the prestigious Higher Education Academy (HEA) in the United Kingdom.
Ms Holla has been recognised as an associate fellow for her work at the Mount Gambier campus.
The HEA promotes teaching excellence in higher education, awarding recognition as an associate fellow to higher education staff who have demonstrated a contribution to student learning through their professional teaching practice.
This is the second HEA award received by a member of staff at the university’s Mount Gambier campus and follows Dr Julie Reis being awarded a senior fellowship earlier this year.
Dr Reis was instrumental in encouraging Heidi to apply and said she was extremely proud of her achievement.
“Heidi exemplifies the qualities and characteristics of a clinical educator in an academic setting,” Dr Reis said.
“She is passionate about providing ‘real world’ engaging experiences for nursing students and does so based on her extensive nursing experience and knowledge.”
Ms Holla said she was honoured by the recognition after undertaking an arduous application process examining her performance as an holistic educator.
“I feel very humbled to have received this fellowship,” she said
“As a regional staff member, it is wonderful to highlight the academic excellence of the regional campuses and to be recognised for a role I am so passionate about.
“As a clinical nurse at the UniSA Mount Gambier campus, I really enjoy seeing our nursing students develop as they advance through the program.
“As a university, we strive to create registered nurses of a very high standard, whilst providing a very supportive and nurturing environment and I feel proud to play a part in this process.
“Thank you to my wonderful mentor and colleague, HEA senior fellow Dr Julie Reis for my nomination.”
UniSA regional manager Ian McKay said he was thrilled another member of the Mount Gambier team was recognised for their professional excellence.
“UniSA Mount Gambier prides ourselves on the high quality of our programs and the high standards of our graduates,” he said.
“This is in no small part due to the excellent staff we have locally.”
