Skip navigation
Faculty of Nursing
University of Alberta

Williams, Beverly

Beverly A. Williams, PhD, RN
Associate Professor and
Adjunct Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine

Email: beverly.williams@ualberta.ca 
Phone: (780) 492-8054
Fax: (780) 492-2551
Office: CSB 6-129
 

Mailing address:
Faculty of Nursing
University of Alberta
3rd Floor Clinical Sciences Building
Edmonton, Alberta
T6G 2G3 Canada
 

Educational Background

  • PhD (Nursing), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta (2002)
  • MN, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta (1992)
  • BScN, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta (1975)
  • RN, Foothills Hospital School of Nursing, Calgary, Alberta (1972)

Clinical and Teaching Areas

My clinical background is primarily medical-surgical nursing and I have experience as both staff nurse and educator in these areas. I am involved in nursing education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. I am particularly interested in the philosophy and theory of learning and with an emphasis on health literacy, self care and chronic disease management. I have been actively involved in developing, tutoring and evaluating our Problem Based Learning undergraduate nursing program and currently am involved in teaching in the Masters of Nursing Advanced Nursing Practice program – Family/All Ages option.

Research

My research endeavors reflect my clinical areas of interest. I am particularly interested in the concept of self care. The overall objectives of my research program are to examine aspects of practice, education and policy that facilitate or hamper professional support of self care. Awareness and education of health care professionals and integration of support for self care into professional practice are all aspects of my research program. In addition I continue to study philosophy and theory of learning including health literacy and the development of skills and abilities in critical thinking/reflection and self directed learning.

Recent Publications and Abstracts

Articles (Refereed)

  • Williams B & Pace A (In press) Problem based learning in chronic disease management: A review of the research. Patient Education and Counselling.
  • Williams B & Day R (In press) Employer perceptions of knowledge, competency and professionalism of baccalaureate nursing graduates for a problem based learning program. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship.
  • Yuan H & Williams B (In press) Improvement of nursing students' critical thinking skills through problem based learning in Mainland China: A quasi-experimental study. Research in Nursing and Health.
  • Yuan H, Kunaviktikul W, Klunkin A, Williams B. (Accepted) Applying problem based learning to baccalaureate nursing education. Nursing Education Perspectives.
  • Williams B, Young S, Williams D, Schindel, D (Accepted) Effectiveness of a falls awareness and education program in acute care. Journal for Nurses in Staff Development. 
  • Yuan H & Williams B (In review) Knowledge of urinary incontinence among community nurses and community dwelling older people in China. Journal of Community Health Nursing.
  • Melo K, Williams B, Ross C. (In review) Clinical practice anxiety among baccalaureate nursing students in PBL and traditional curricula. Nurse Education Today.
  • Applin H, Williams B, Day R, Buro K. (In review). A comparison of competencies between PBL and Non PBL Graduate Nurses. Journal of Nursing Education.
  • Edwards N, Semenic S, Premji S, Montgomery P, Olson, J, Williams B, Mansi O. (2008). Provincial prenatal record revision: A multiple case study of evidence based decision making at the population-policy level. BMC Health Services Research 8:266
  • Yuan H, Kunaviktikul W, Klunklin A, Williams B (2008) Promoting critical thinking skills through problem based learning. Chiang Mai University Journal.
  • Yuan H, Williams B & Fan L (2008) A systematic review of selected evidence on developing nursing students' critical thinking through problem based learning. Nurse Education Today, 28,657-663.
  • Yuan H, Kunaviktikul W, Klunkin A, Williams B. (2008). Improvement of nursing students' critical thinking skills through problem based learning in the People's Republic of China: A quasi-experimental study. Nursing and Health Sciences, 10, 70-76. (Top article accessed in 2008)
  • Williams, B. (2007). The impact of discharge information in supporting self care of patients following general abdominal surgery. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 10, 70-76.
  • Williams, B., Anderson, M. & Day, R. (2007). Knowledge and attitudes towards aging: a comparison between context based learning and traditional program undergraduate nursing learners. Journal of Nursing Education, 46(3); 115-120.
  • Pituskin E, Williams B, Au H, Martin-McDonald K. (2007). Experiences of men with breast cancer: A qualitative study. Journal of Men's Health and Gender, 4(1); 44-51
  • Spencely, S. & Williams, B. (2006). Self care from the perspective of people living with diabetes. Canadian Journal of Nursing Research, 38(3); 124-145.

Published Abstracts/Conference Presentations

  • Peng J, Jensen P, Lechelt K, Simpson S, Williams B, Haggarty S. 2009. Validity of a modified functional literacy test in the elderly. 2009. IAGG World Congress of Gerontology & Geriatrics. Paris, FR
  • Ross C, Low G, Williams B, Vethanayagam D. 2009. Perceptions of asthma education, asthma management and asthma control among patients with severe refractory asthma. 2009. Poster presented at the Canadian Respiratory Conference. Toronto, ON
  • Yuan H. & Williams B. 2009. Knowledge of urinary incontinence amongst community nurses and community dwelling older people in the People’s Republic of China. National Conference on Gerontological Nursing. Banff, AB
  • Lundhardt B, MacMillan K, Young S. Williams B. 2009.  Falls awareness in acute care.  National Conference on Gerontological Nursing. Banff Alberta.
  • Williams B. 2009. Using a course portfolio to demonstrate the scholarship of teaching. Olive Yonge Teaching and Learning Scholarship Day. Edmonton, AB
  • Williams B. 2009. Lessons not found in the classroom.  Paper presented at WRCASN. Calgary, AB
  • Dodd B, Williams B, Ross C. 2009. The value of adding personal stories to printed educational material for liver transplant recipients. Alberta Health Services 4th Annual Nursing Research Day.
  • Melo K, Ross C, Williams B. 2009. Clinical practice anxiety among baccalaureate nursing students in PBL and traditional curricula.  Paper presented at WRCASN. Calgary, AB.
  • Hunter K, Jensen L, Williams B, Evanochko C. 2008. Should specialization be included within NP education? The experience of one Canadian university. Paper presented to the International Council of Nurses International Nurse Practitioner /Advanced Practice Nursing Network Conference. Toronto, ON
  • Applin H, Williams B, Day R. 2008. Are nursing graduates in Alberta competent to take care of you?. Paper presented at the International Society for the scholarship of teaching and learning. Edmonton, AB
  • Williams B. 2008.  PBL and self care in chronic disease management.  Poster presented at Western Region Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Conference. Victoria, BC.
  • Williams B, Day R. 2008. Employer descriptions of PBL/CBL graduates.  Poster presented at Margaret Scott Wright Research Day. Edmonton, AB
  • Williams B. 2008. PBL and self care in chronic disease management. Poster presented at Western Region Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Conference. Victoria, BC.
  • Tapper L, Policicchio C, Williams B. 2008. Evaluating the CNPI logic model's effectiveness in integrating the role of NP in the ED. 2008. Poster presented at the Accelerating Primary Care Conference. Edmonton, AB
  • Yuan H, Kunaaviktikul W, Williams B. 2008.  Improving nursing students' critical thinking skills through PBL. 2008. Paper presented at New Frontiers in Primary Health Care: Role of Nursing and Other Professions. Chiang Mai, Thailand.
  • Williams B. 2007. Infection control in patient care .  Paper presented at the Annual Baotou Nursing Conference. Batou, Inner Mongolia. 
  • Williams B & Barb Gibson. 2007. Nursing in Canada . Paper presented at the Annual Baotou Nursing Conference. Batou, Inner Mongolia.  
  • Williams B & Barb Gibson. 2007. Quality patient care in Canada. Paper presented at the Annual Baotou Nursing Conference. Batou, Inner Mongolia
  • Williams B & Barb Gibson.2007.  PBL and clinical education. Paper presented at the Annual Baotou Nursing Conference. Batou, Inner Mongolia.
  • Lynds D & Williams B.(2007. Emergency Nurse Practitioners. Paper presented at the Western Emergency Department Utilization Conference. Regina, SK
  • Williams B, Day R. Employer perceptions of PBL/CBL graduates. 2007. Paper presented at Western Region Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Conference. Saskatoon SK.
  • Williams, B. & Day, R. 2006. Employer perceptions of PBL/CBL (Context Based Learning) graduates . Paper presented at the International PBL Conference. Lima, Peru.
  • Day, R. & Williams, B. 2006. Evaluation of the PBL/CBL (Context Based Learning) Students: Critical thinking . Paper presented at the International PBL Conference. Lima, Peru.
  • Williams, B. & Day, R. 2006. Traditional and PBL/CBL (Context Based Learning) graduates: A comparison of self efficacy, self directed learning readiness and critical thinking disposition . Poster presented at the International PBL Conference. Lima, Peru
  • Williams, B. & Day, R. 2006. Employer perceptions of PBL/CBL (Context Based Learning) graduates . Paper presented at the First International NET NEP Conference. Vancouver, BC.
  • Pituskin, E., Martin-McDonald, K., Williams, B. & Au, H-J. 2005. The experience of a sample of Canadian men with breast cancer . Paper presented at the 12th Qualitative Health Research Conference. Edmonton AB.
  • Skillen, L., Williams, B., Caplan, W. & Bray, B. 2006. Advancing international research collaboration for student personal safety: Part 1 . Paper presented at the WRCASN Annual Conference. Edmonton, AB.
  • Caplan, W., Bray, B., Skillen, L. & Williams, B. 2006. Amazing interactive learning to promote student safety: Part2 . Paper presented at the WRCASN Annual Conference. Edmonton, AB.
  • Skillen, L., Williams, B. & Biro, A. 2005. Graduating student views on "Healthy Colleges" . Paper presented at the Vitamin C for Health Promoting Universities Conference. Edmonton, AB.
  • Pituskin, E., Martin-McDonald, K., Williams, B. & Au, H-J. 2005. The experience of a sample of Canadian men with breast cancer . Paper presented at the Alberta Cancer Board Annual Research Meeting. Edmonton, AB.
  • Pituskin, E., Martin-McDonald, K., Williams, B. & Au, H-J. 2005. The experience of a sample of Canadian men with breast cancer . Paper presented at the National Conference for Men's Health. Atlanta, GA.
  • Pituskin, E., Williams, B., Martin-McDonald, K. & Au, H-J. 2005. The expereience of a sample of Canadian men with breast cancer . Paper presented at the Margaret Scott Wright Research Day. Edmonton, AB.
  • Simpson, N., & Williams, B. 2005. Medical Surgical Nurses - the Foundation of our Health Care System: Supporting and Recognizing Excellence in Practice. Poster presented at the Health Boards of Alberta - Strenthening People Strategies Conference. Edmonton, AB.
  • Williams, B., Simpson, N., Day, R., Profetto-McGrath, J. & Elliot, D. 2005. A prototype for continuing professional development: The Medical Surgical Certificate . Paper presented at the WRCASN Conference. Winnipeg, MB.

Books

  • Day, R., Paul, P. & Williams, B. (Eds) 2006. Textbook of Medical Sugical Nursing . Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Book Chapters

  • Williams, B. 2006. Demonstrating the scholarship of teaching: A sample teaching portfolio. In L. Young (ed), Teaching nursing: Student Centred theories, models and strategies for nurse educators. New York: Lippincott
  • Williams, B. & Day, R. 2006. Context Based Learning. In L. Young (ed), Teaching nursing: Student Centred theories, models and strategies for nurse educators. New York: Lippincott.
  • Williams B. Health education and health promotion. Textbook of Medical Surgical Nursing . 2006. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • WilliamsB. Management of patients with biliary disorders. In R. Day, P.Paul, & B. Williams (Eds). Textbook of Medical Surgical Nursing . 2006. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Williams B. Management of patients with endocrine disorders. In R.Day, P.Paul & B. Williams (Eds. Textbook of Medical Surgical Nursing . 2006. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Williams B. & DoddB. Management of patients with hepatic disorders. In R. Day, P.Paul, B.Williams (Eds). Textbook of Medical Surgical Nursing . 2006. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Williams, B. 2005. Educating future leaders using problem based learning . In M. Greenberg & H. Feldman (Eds), Educating for Leadership. New York: Springer.

Reports

  • Williams, B. & Day, R. 2005. Employer perceptions of the knowledge, competency and professionalism of baccalaureate graduates from a PBL nursing program. EFF-UTRF, University of Alberta. Edmonton, Alberta
  • Williams, B., Day, R., Paul, P. & McFayden, D. 2005. Socialization of after degree students at the end of a BScN After Degree Program. EFF-UTRF, University of Alberta . Edmonton, AB.
  • Williams, B., Day, R., Paul, P. & McFayden, D. 2005. A comparative analysis of self efficacy between four year baccaluareate students and two year after degree students. EFF-UTRF, University of Alberta . Edmonton, AB.
  • Day, R., Williams, B. & Anderson, M. 2005. A comparison of competencies of fourth year undergraduate students and graduates in the traditional context based learning collaborative baccalaureate nursing programs. EFF-UTRF, University of Alberta . Edmonton, AB.
  • Williams, B., Day, R., Paul, P., & McFayden, D. (Feb 2005). An evaluation of the competencies of the BScN after degree program students: Final Report. EFF-UTRF, University of Alberta. Edmonton, Alberta
  • Williams, B. & Day, R. (April 2005). Employer perceptions of the knowledge, competency, and professionalism of baccalaureate graduates from a PBL Nursing program. EFF-UTRF, University of Alberta. Edmonton, Alberta
  • Williams, B. 2004. Evaluation of the University of Alberta/Capital Health Collaborative Medical-Surgical Certificate Program. Office of Nursing Policy: Health Canada . Ottawa, ON.
  • Williams, B. 2004. The impact of discharge information in supporting self care of patients following general abdominal surgery. Hole Family Fund, University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing. Edmonton, AB.
  • Williams, B., Day, R., Paul, P., & McFayden, D. 2004. An evaluation of the competencies of the BScN after degree program students: Interim Report. EFF-UTRF, University of Alberta. Edmonton, Alberta

Grants

  • Teaching Learning Enhancement Fund, University of Alberta: ($35,000). Co-Principal Investigator. The influence of an undergraduate context based learning program on evolving professional nursing graduate practice. 2009
  • Macao Polytechnic Institute: (80,000 MOP – $11,108). Co-Principal Investigator.  Effects of problem based learning on promoting students’ abilities: An action research project. 2008
  • Caritas Health Group, 4977.18). Co-Investigator. Perceptions of asthma education & control among adult patients with severe refractory asthma. 2008
  • Interdisciplinary teams in primary care networks: A case study approach (Co-PI – CHSRF LOI accepted for full proposal development: 7500.00) 2008   
  • SSHRC ($111,891). Co-Principal Investigator. Caller self care decisions following telenurse advice. (2006)
  • CIHR Research Community Development Funding ($7,000). Co Investigator. Primary Care Networks Environmental Scan. (2006)
  • Glaxo Kline Smith ($105,000). Co-Investigator. A multidisciplinary discharge protocol for patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2005-2006).
  • CIHR ($181,192). Co-Investigator. Provincial prenatal record revision: A multiple case study of evidence based decision making at the population-policy level. (2005)
  • AHFMR ($149,970). Co-Investigator. Improving the care of diabetic patients: a randomized trial of a family physician based chronic disease care model for patients with Type 2 diabetes.
  • CIHR ($9,400.00). Co-Investigator. The experience of a sample of Canadian men diagnosed with breast cancer. (2004-2006)
  • University of Alberta Facilitation Grant ($18,000). Prinicpal Investigator. Supporting self care: A research program. (2002-2006)
  • EFF-UTRF ($10,000). Principal Investigator. Employer perceptions of the knowledge, competency and professionalism of baccalaureate graduates from a PBL nursing program. (2004-2005)

Special Achievments and Affiliations

Awards

  • Mu Sigma Chapter Recognition Award (2004)
  • EFF Support for Advancement of Scholarship Travel Grant (2002)
  • AARN Long Service Award (2002)
  • Mu Sigma Chapter Novice Researcher Award (2000)
  • Mu Sigma Chapter Experienced Researcher Award with Dr. Rene Day (2000)
  • Faculty of Nursing Undergraduate Classroom Teaching Award (2000)
  • Nominated for Faculty of Nursing Undergraduate Classroom Teaching Award (1999)
  • Nominated for Nursing Undergraduate Association Excellence in Teaching Award, (1999)
  • Foothills Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association: Donna Humphries Scholarship (1997)
  • University of Alberta Hospitals Recognition Award - Team Plaque Award - School of Nursing Innovation and Customer Service (1994)
  • University of Alberta Hospitals School of Nursing Funded Educational Leave (1990-1991)
  • Alberta Provincial Government Educational Grant, (1969)

Affiliations

  • Chair, Collaborative Evaluation Committee (2003 - Current)
  • Member AAS:UA Teaching and Learning Committee (2002 -2006)
  • Member at Large, University of Alberta, Western Region Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (2002 - Current)
  • Executive Board Member, Western Region Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (2008-present)
  • President Elect, Mu Sigma Chapter STTI (2008-current)
  • Chair, Mu Sigma Eligibility Committee (2000 - 2008)
  • Past President, President & Vice President Western Region Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, (1996-2002)
  • Member of Sigma Theta Tau International, Mu Sigma Chapter (1992 - Current)
  • Member, Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
  • Member, Alberta Association of Registered Nurses
  • Member Canadian Nurses Foundation (1997 - Current)
  • Member, Canadian Nurses Association (1972 - Current)
  • Member Foothills Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association
  • Member University of Alberta Alumni Association

Commmunity Service

  • Captial Health Primary Care Program Council (2006 - Current)
  • Multiple Mini Interviewer (Faculty of Medicine) 2009
  • CNA Competency, Item Writing, Exam and Translation Committee for the Canadian Association of Medical Surgical Nursing (2008)
  • UofA Graduate Admissions Committee (2007-current)
  • Margaret Scott Wright Steering Committee (2006-current)
  • UofA Health Science Council Primary Care Initiative (2006-current)
  • Primary Care Network Advisory Council (2005 - 2006)
  • CASN Task Force on Primary Health Care/Nurse Practitioner Education (2005-2006)
  • UofA Graduate Education Committee (2004-2006)
  • GFC Faculty Representative (1999 - Current)
  • STTI Biennial Converntion (Mu Sigma chapter Delegate) (2001, 2003)
  • Health Canada: Initiating and supporting self care symposium (Invited participant) (2001)
  • University of Alberta Teaching and Learning Committee (2001 - 2006)
  • Monthly BP Clinic at Virginia Park Lodge (1995)