May Kristin Valen

May Kristin Valen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Health and Caring Sciences within the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL). She works on the Haugesund campus and has been employed at HVL since 2008.

• Education: Master of Clinical Health Work (2010) from Buskerud University College
• Research focus: Competence development in nursing education, particularly palliative care through simulation and clinical practice
• Teaching areas: Medical/surgical nursing, palliative care, end-of-life care, simulation, and counseling
• Professional experience: Clinical practice at Haukeland University Hospital (1991-1993), Stavanger University Hospital (1993-1996), and Helse-Fonna (1996-2010)

Her research explores how nursing students develop competencies in palliative care contexts through both simulation-based training and actual clinical practice. She previously served as course coordinator (2012-2015) and remains actively involved in cancer/palliative care networks through Helse Vest. While primarily focused on pedagogical approaches in nursing education, her work intersects with clinical practice standards and professional skill development.