Carmen Barnard
Bachelor of Nursing (University of Tasmania, 2008), Master of Health Science (CQ University, 2025)Associate Lecturer
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences
18 - 1.12
My nursing journey began in 2008 on the picturesque island of Tasmania. Over the years, I have embraced various roles: registered nurse, quality and safety officer, and discharge planning nurse in acute adult inpatient mental health care units. However, what truly defines my career is my dedication to mental health in rural and remote areas. These often-overlooked landscapes have profoundly shaped my perspective and fueled my passion.
My experiences have instilled in me a fervent belief in consumer involvement. The voices of those we care for matter deeply. Whether it’s a reassuring smile, a listening ear, or a well-coordinated discharge plan, compassion lies at the heart of nursing.
I am passionate about the student experience and aim to teach students not just knowledge and facts but also the professional attributes expected of registered nurses. I have taught in various units in the course and am dedicated to continuing to engage in learning to ensure I provide up-to-date knowledge in an engaging way for students. In 2025, I completed my Master of Research, balancing the dual roles of staff member and student. As a result, I have faced many of the challenges students may encounter on their journey. The highs and hurdles are all part of the tapestry. Here’s a piece of advice: speak up early. Whether it’s a question, a concern, or a need for support, don’t hesitate. Your questions are always welcome. If I can’t provide the answers, I’ll guide you to someone who can.
Universities Studied At
University of Tasmania
Flinders University
CQUniversity
Universities Worked At
Central Queensland University (Rockhampton North)
Professional Experience
Before working for CQ University, I worked in the field of Mental Health Nursing for over nine years. During the last four years of this hospital experience, I focused on transitional care planning, specifically discharge planning, from the acute psychiatric inpatient setting. I was the first transitional care planner in psychiatric services in the state and was involved in policy review and development. I gained attention by speaking at conferences about the principles of transitional care planning and consumer involvement in care.
Professional Memberships
AHPRA
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation
Professional Interests
- Mental Health care
- Self-harm/Non-suicidal self-injury
- Stigma reduction
- Improving the consumer experience
- Combining the need for best practice and research with the need to maintain the human element of nursing care
- Promoting resilience and the factors that affect this
Key Achievements
I was the first transitional care nurse in Mental Health Nursing in Tasmania. As a result, I have been invited to speak at a number of conferences regarding the principles of transitional care planning and how we apply the principles of patient-centred care to this area.
I completed my Master of Research in 2025 with the title of my thesis "Attitudes of rural and remote nurses working in general settings towards consumers who engage in non-suicidal self-injury'. Feedback received acknowledged the quality of my work, indicating it was within the top 10% of research in this area.
Health services and systems - Digital health
Health services and systems - Health informatics and information systems
Health services and systems - Mental health services
Health services and systems - Rural and remote health services
Other health sciences - Other health sciences not elsewhere classified
Nursing
