Samantha Jakimowicz

Dr. Samantha Jakimowicz is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney's School of Nursing and Midwifery, where she has held academic positions since 2017. She serves as Chair of the Faculty of Health Low Risk Ethics Panel and School Honours Coordinator, while leading the Wellbeing & Resilience Research Group. Her academic journey follows extensive clinical experience as a critical care registered nurse and psychotherapist.

Dr. Jakimowicz earned her PhD in Nursing from UTS (2014-2018), Bachelor of Nursing (Hons1) and Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Tasmania, and a Bachelor of Counselling and Human Change from Jansen Newman Institute. She is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning at UTS.

Her research program focuses on healthcare professional wellbeing, empathy and compassion in clinical settings, and distress screening for prostate cancer patients. She has developed innovative educational tools including the Virtual Empathy Museum and e-learning modules for distress screening. Her work emphasizes translating research into practical interventions that improve both provider wellbeing and patient outcomes, particularly through Schwartz Rounds and compassionate leadership programs.

Dr. Jakimowicz's recent publications demonstrate expertise in mixed-methods research, particularly grounded theory and systematic reviews, with emphasis on aged care culture, nurse wellbeing during pandemic surges, and compassionate healthcare encounters. Her work shows consistent focus on understanding organizational factors affecting nurse wellbeing and developing evidence-based interventions.

Her scientific recognition includes the Florence Nightingale Memorial Scholarship Grant ($10,000), NSW Health Funding for Schwartz Rounds UK ($10,000), and a Research Scholarship Award from Illawarra & Shoalhaven Local Health District ($2,500).

Dr. Jakimowicz has secured substantial research funding, including $386,000 in external grants and $54,000 in internal university funding since 2017. Major projects include multiple Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia grants totaling over $340,000 for distress screening initiatives and e-learning development, plus UTS funding for wellbeing interventions across healthcare disciplines.

She leads the Wellbeing & Resilience Research Group and is a key member of the Empathy Initiative Research Group, which developed the Virtual Empathy Museum digital teaching resource. Her collaborative approach has established national and international partnerships that have implemented wellbeing interventions like Schwartz Rounds and Compassionate Leadership programs in healthcare facilities.