Sylvia Waweru-Smith, PhD, RN, FNP-BC

Sylvia Waweru-Smith, PhD, RN, FNP-BC

Assistant Professor
Adult Health Nursing

Education

  • PhD: University of Texas at Tyler, 2022
  • MSN: University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2011
  • BSN (with honors): University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2006

Research Interests

  • Mental health in chronic illness
  • Cultural competence in healthcare
  • Nursing education
  • Nursing retention

Selected Publications

  • Martin, C. , Buckner, E.B. , Shackleford, L., et al. (2014). Challenges in nursing workforce transitions: A toolkit from STTI Region 8 Membership Ambassadors. Presented to the Region 8 STTI Conference: Excellence in Nursing: Education, Practice, & Service: Transform & Thrive in Healthcare Today. October 30-November 1, 2014, Murfreesboro, TN. [Contributor]

  • Marass, A., Waweru, S., & Buckner, E.B. (2013). Perspectives worth sharing: Camps for children with HIV. CompassPoint: Association of Camp Nursing, 23(4), 14-17.

  • Buckner, E., & Waweru, S. (2007). International research ethics for undergraduates: A case example of responsible conduct of research. The National Council for Undergraduate Research Proceedings.

  • Waweru, S.M., Reynolds, A., & Buckner, E.B (2008). Perceptions of Children with HIV/AIDS from the USA and Kenya: Self-concept and emotional indicators. Pediatric Nursing, 34(2), 117-124.

  • Waweru, S. (2007). Perceptions of children in two comparison populations: Self-concept and emotional indicators. The National Council for Undergraduate Research Proceedings.


Teaching

Graduate Courses

  • Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses
  • Advanced Nursing Assessment
  • Advanced Family Primary Care Nursing Practicum I & II
  • Nurse Practitioner Intensives, Eye Lab Facilitator
  • Kenya Service Abroad

Undergraduate Courses Taught

  • Foundations of Professional Nursing Clinical
  • Foundations of Professional Nursing Theory-Guest Lecturer
  • Adult Health II Nursing Theory and Clinical
  • Clinical Nursing Skills
  • Evidence Based Practice in Nursing
  • Kenya Service Abroad

Honors and Awards

  • Alabama Academy of Science Travel Award, 2018
  • National League of Nursing Foundation Nursing Education Award, 2017
  • Sigma Theta Tau International Edith Anderson Leadership Education Grant, 2017
  • Sigma Theta Tau International Pillar of Nursing Leadership Award, 2007
  • Roy Adaptation Association National Senior Scholar Paper Award, 2007
  • Nomination for the Sigma Theta Tau Rising Star Award, 2006
  • Alumni Chapter of the University of Alabama at Birmingham National Alumni Society BSN Award for Student Excellence, 2006
  • Global Health Grant from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Framework Program for Global Health, 2006
  • William Groce Endowed Nursing Scholarship, 2006
  • Phi Theta Kappa Honors, 2005
  • Nomination for the Academic Excellence Award for International Students, 2005
  • Golden Key International Honors, 2004
  • Academic Honors – Deans and Presidents List, 2002-2005