Fernanda Paula Santos Leal

Fernanda Paula Santos Leal is an Adjunct Professor at the Lisbon School of Nursing (since 2024) and previously held positions at the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal, including Professor (2009–2023) and Assistant Professor (2001–2009). She holds a PhD in Nursing from the University of Lisbon (2024) and specializes in Mental Health Nursing. Her research focuses on clinical reasoning, nursing education, school health, and mental health promotion. She has authored/co-authored 6 journal articles, 3 books, and 6 book chapters. Key projects include the 'Rules of the Game' project promoting adolescent mental health and clinical reasoning training in nursing education.

Education:

• PhD in Nursing, University of Lisbon (2024)
• Master's in School Health, University of Lisbon (2005)
• Bachelor's in Nursing, University of Évora (2001)
• General Nursing Degree, Évora School of Nursing (1990)

Research Interests:

• Mental Health Promotion and Well-being
• Health Literacy
• Clinical Reasoning in Nursing
• Problem-Based Learning
• Nursing Education Methodologies

Grants/Projects: 9 projects including EU-funded clinical reasoning initiatives and national mental health interventions. Collaborated with 50+ researchers in nursing and health sciences.

Awards: None explicitly listed, but her work has been recognized through multiple peer-reviewed publications and academic promotions.