Jeanette Varpen Unhjem

Jeanette Varpen Unhjem is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Care, Molde University College, Norway. She holds a PhD in Medicine and Health Sciences from the University of Oslo (2019) and has extensive clinical experience as a nurse in forensic psychiatry (2001–2007). Her academic career includes roles as a lecturer (2008–2012, 2018–2019) and current Associate Professor since 2019. She has also served as Vice-Chancellor (2019–2023) and Study Director for the Bachelor of Nursing program (2024).

Education Background:

• Registered Nurse (HiNT, 2000)
• Master's in Criminology (UiO, 2006)
• PhD in Medicine & Health Sciences (UiO, 2019)

Research Interests focus on professional boundaries in healthcare, nurse-patient relationships, ethics in mental health nursing, qualitative research methods, and adverse drug reactions in home care. Key themes include dual relationships, self-disclosure, social media ethics, and clinical boundary violations.

Publications span 20+ articles in Nursing Ethics, Journal of Clinical Nursing, and others, emphasizing boundary dynamics and ethical challenges. Her recent work addresses sexual misconduct in healthcare and Facebook relationships with patients. She leads projects like the Nurse-led Norwegian Adverse Drug Reaction Profile in Home Care.

Leadership roles include Editorial Board member for Panorama University College Newspaper and Board member of the College Administrative Board (2011–2015). Advising spans bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels in health and social sciences.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Addiction research group, focusing on professional ethics and boundary management in clinical settings.