Rate My Professor Traci Travers

Traci Travers is a Lecturer in Nursing in the Discipline of Nursing, School of Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. Her professional qualifications encompass an Associate Diploma in Aboriginal Studies, Registered Nurse (RN), Bachelor of Nursing (BN), Graduate Diploma in Corrections Health and Forensic Nursing, Graduate Diploma in Sexology, and Graduate Certificate in University Learning and Teaching. As a First Nations academic from rural New South Wales, Travers contributes a distinctive cultural perspective to nursing education and practice, emphasizing inclusivity and awareness of Indigenous experiences in healthcare.

In her teaching role, Travers serves as unit coordinator for Complex Care (HSNS363), where students develop skills in managing patients with complex health conditions, and Professional Nursing Practice 4: Mental Health Nursing (HSNS210), focusing on mental health assessments, interventions, and therapeutic communication. She also acts as Clinical Coordinator for UNE Nursing Placements, facilitating practical clinical experiences for students. Travers is a member of the University Teaching and Learning Committee, appointed by the Chair following an expression of interest call, with her term running until August 2026. She participates in the First Response and Support Network, providing support for safe communities and responding to student needs on campus. Additionally, she has supervised nursing students in transformative learning opportunities, including a final-year student's research cadetship on Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease in collaboration with Professor Ketheesan, as well as accompanying students to the 2024 Congress for hands-on professional exposure.

Travers' scholarly contribution includes the 2025 publication 'The silent weight: Cultural bias and cultural load on the First Nations nurse' in the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal. This reflection piece addresses the pervasive cultural biases and the extra 'cultural load' experienced by First Nations nurses, calling for greater recognition and systemic support to foster equitable healthcare environments. Her diverse background in corrections, forensic nursing, and sexology informs her approach to specialized nursing topics, enhancing student preparation for diverse clinical scenarios. Through her roles, Travers impacts nursing education by integrating cultural safety, practical training, and committee governance at UNE.