Celebrating Research: Kaitlyn Tate

Photo: Laughing Dog Photography

Kaitlyn Tate’s journey in the Faculty of Nursing began as a student, where the heart of her PhD research focused on improving the transition of continuum care for older adults. 

Today, not only is she continuing to cement her research program, but as a new faculty member, she is also learning to navigate work as a new teacher. For Tate, teaching is a new challenge she is ready to meet head-on.

“The most challenging aspect of my work is establishing my research program as I learn to be an effective teacher,” she says. “Being better at asking for help and accessing the existing support here at the university will be important for not only academic success, but effective relationship-building with colleagues and students.” 

As Tate begins her journey as one of the Faculty of Nursing’s newest faculty member, discover more about the passion behind her research and a few surprises you might not have known about her. 

How’d you get into your area of research?

My research focus is on improving health-system performance related to older adults’ transitions across the care continuum. Honestly, it was initially a product of circumstance. I was in the right place at the right time to work on a project pertaining to improving older persons’ care during emergency transitions from long-term care to the emergency department. However, I quickly realized how important providing equitable and optimal care for everyone is and the need for work that supports both individual-level and systemic changes.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work?

The most rewarding aspect of my work is generating new knowledge and relationship building with the goal of improving health-care delivery. Regardless of whether it is with fellow researchers, students, decision-makers, clinicians or members of the community I am aiming to serve, it is an enriching experience.

Where do you want your research to be in five years?

Making a difference! I hope to have established my research program and be actively leading grants focusing on improving how we evaluate health-services delivery for older adults through administrative health data as well as sustainable interventions to support delayed, reduced or improved transitions from home to facility-based care settings. 

What is something your co-workers do not know about you?

I have an identical twin sister! She is wittier than I am, but I was born a minute earlier so we (I) pretend I am older and wiser. 

Where is your favourite place on campus? 

Filistix. They have excellent rice bowls that are delightful to eat outside of SUB on a temperate, sunny day.

The University of Alberta is the top institution in Canada for nursing and ranked ninth worldwide according to the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject. Our world-leading Faculty lead cutting-edge work that's changing the face of global health.  Learn more: https://www.ualberta.ca/nursing/careers/joining-us.html.