Building on Cabrini’s longstanding tradition of nursing excellence, Megan Mills, Group Director – Nursing and Clinical Education, has recently been appointed as an Adjunct Professor with the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health at Monash University. This prestigious appointment marks a new era in nursing research and education partnerships, reinforcing Cabrini’s position as a leader in healthcare innovation.

“Traditionally, nurses have been somewhat hesitant about research,” Adj Prof Mills reflects. “We’re working to change that perception by making research an integral part of our nursing practice rather than just a ‘nice to have’ addition.” This cultural shift is being supported by significant initiatives, including the appointment of a dedicated nursing research fellow through Monash University, scheduled to commence in April 2025.

The collaboration with Monash University is set to elevate Cabrini’s nursing profile. “This partnership isn’t just about academic credentials – it’s about creating real opportunities for our nurses,” explains Adj Prof Mills. The initiative aims to enhance both recruitment and retention of nursing talent, while positioning Cabrini at the forefront of private hospital nursing research.

One of the key strategies being implemented is the transformation of everyday quality improvement projects into substantial research initiatives. “We’re always conducting quality improvement projects,” Adj Prof Mills notes. “The next step is expanding these into published research that can benefit the broader healthcare community.”

Under Adj Prof Mills’ leadership, Cabrini is setting ambitious goals for nursing research, with plans to maintain multiple nursing research projects annually. The institution is uniquely positioned in the private healthcare sector to become a leader in nursing research, supported by:

• A new nursing research fellow position
• Enhanced scholarship opportunities for postgraduate qualifications
• Strengthened partnerships with university and foundation collaborators
• Support structures for nurses interested in research pathways

Adj Prof Mills emphasises that this initiative is open to all nurses at Cabrini: “If nurses are working on quality improvement projects or identify potential research opportunities, we encourage them to connect with their educators. We’re here to support them in developing these ideas into valuable research projects.”

This new chapter in Cabrini’s nursing story represents a significant investment in the future of nursing practice, research, and education. Through these initiatives, Cabrini is not just addressing current healthcare challenges – it’s building a sustainable framework for nursing excellence that will benefit patients and healthcare professionals for years to come.

Learn more about nursing research at Cabrini