We are pleased that, despite the exceptional circumstances and measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus, on September 29th 2020, we organized the traditional International Scientific Conference "Research and Education in Nursing". The conference was held online, presenting numerous new research ideas and insights at a global level. The conference featured contributions from distinguished domestic and foreign invited speakers and researchers. Participants were from countries with which we successfully cooperate in the field of scientific research and education (USA, Portugal, Great Britain, Ireland, Hungary, Spain, Poland, Italy, Croatia, Kosovo, Australia, Russia and Slovenia).
We are especially proud that the plenary part of the conference was enriched by world-renowned, awarded and respected professors, theorists and experts of advanced knowledge in nursing. Professor Jean Watson is a "living legend", a nursing theorist - best known for her theory of human caring and the founder of the Watson Caring Science Institute. Professor Marlaine Cappelli Smith focuses on two areas of nursing: developing knowledge related to the processes and outcomes of healing, and analyzing and applying existing nursing theories. Professor Marie Carney is an expert in leadership and advanced knowledge in nursing and midwifery.
The conference presented the basic concepts, theoretical models and current topics in interdisciplinary and interprofessional areas of nursing. The papers related to current and complex areas of nursing and health care, where nurses require scientific evidence based knowledge to develop education and practice. Sincere thank you to all participants at the conference.
After the conference honorary titles, awards, recognitions and commendations to students, employees and external collaborators in pedagogical and scientific research areas, award for mentoring and professional achievements that significantly contributed to the overall development, reputation and establishment of the faculty, were awarded.
- The honorary title "Honorary Visiting Professor" of the University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences, for higher education teachers who are not employed at the faculty and benefit the reputation and wider recognition of the faculty, was awarded to Prof Pamela R. Jeffries, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, FSSH, for her excellent professional, scientific and pedagogical qualities. Unfortunately Prof Pamela R. Jeffries, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, FSSH, could not attend the ceremony in person, but was able to follow the conference online and address the participants via online tool Ms Teams.
- University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences has also received kind words of thanks from Prof Dianne Cooney Miner, PhD, RN, FAAN, on behalf of St. John Fisher College, The Wegmans School of Nursing, that received Certificate of Appreciation for successful cooperation.
- University Psychiatric Clinic Ljubljana received a Certificate of Appreciation for long-term cooperation with the faculty's employees in the field of pedagogical, research and professional work and an important contribution to the faculty's development and progress.
- University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences award for merits in the field of education was awarded to Sr Lect Maksimiljan Gorenjak, MSc for his contribution to the recognition and scientific development of laboratory diagnostics, successful and quality development of education and excellent knowledge transfer to students.
- University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences award for merits in the field of scientific research was awarded to Assist Nino Fijačko for exceptional dedication to research and pedagogical work at the University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences.
- Assist Leona Cilar received the Recognition for Young Higher Education Teachers and Higher Education Associates for outstanding pedagogical and research achievements in the academic year 2019/2020 at the University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences.
- Assist Leona Cilar also received the Award for the Best Researcher at the University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences due to the highest number of points achieved according to the research evaluation methodology used by ARRS.
- Tatjana Šopinger Lipovnik is a graduate nurse employed in the specialist Clinic of Internal Medicine at the University Medical Center Maribor and a mentor to students at the undergraduate 1st degree study programme Nursing care. At the students' proposal, she received the recognition of the University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences "Best Mentor in the Clinical Environment."
- Zvonka Murko received the Plaque of the University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences for merits in performing professional work, for her conscientious, professional and responsible work.
- Sebastijan Forstnerič received the Dean's Award for the best students research projects at the University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences, for a research paper titled "Establishment of Electronic Ordering in a Specialist Clinic".
- Lucija Gosak received the Dean's Commendation at the University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences, for a research paper titled "Obstacles and Advantages of Introducing Education for Advanced Nursing Practice".
- Kasandra Musović also received the Dean's Commendation at the University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences, for a research paper titled "Common Characteristics of Four Modern Theories of Nursing: Watson, Parse, Rogers, Newman".
- Furthermore, University of Maribor Faculty of Health Sciences' commendations for study success were issued to the best students in all study programs, to the volunteer students, tutors and promoters for connecting theory and practice in clinical and practical training of students for higher academic and personal success.
We sincerely congratulate all the recipients and wish them successful, professional work in the future.
