Picture of Shannon in front of Hunter Student Commons

Shannon Parker

MN RN
Pronouns: she/her

Positions

Associate Professor (Teaching)

Faculty of Nursing, Faculty

Contact information

Web presence

Phone number

Office: 403.220.8854

Location

Office: PF3252

For media enquiries, contact

Lynda Sea, Senior Manager - Communications

Office: +1.403.471-9762
Email: lsea@ucalgary.ca
Twitter: @ucalgarynursing

Preferred method of communication

Please contact me by email. 

Background

Educational Background

Master of Nursing , University of Calgary, 2015

Bachelor of Nursing University of Calgary, 2003

Bach of Phys Health Education University of Calgary, 1996

Biography

Career Overview: Shannon Parker, MN, RN

As an Associate Professor (Teaching) in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary, I bring over a decade of progressive academic experience, including significant leadership in faculty development, curriculum innovation, and student-centered teaching. My career reflects a deep commitment to advancing nursing education through evidence-informed pedagogy, relational practice, and inclusive academic leadership. Notably, during my tenure as Interim Assistant Dean of Faculty Development (2022–2023), I spearheaded strategic initiatives that enhanced curriculum integrity and elevated teaching practices across undergraduate and graduate programs. I supported colleagues in aligning learning outcomes with pedagogical strategies and regulatory standards, facilitated inclusive professional development initiatives, and contributed to institutional priorities through membership on the University’s Assessment Principles Working Group.

A core aspect of my academic identity is grounded in curricular innovation. I have led and contributed to the development of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum, emphasizing emancipatory and relational pedagogy. My leadership in simulation-based education, particularly in integrating high-fidelity simulation into foundational and advanced nursing courses, demonstrates my ability to design learning that mirrors the complexity of clinical practice. My teaching practice spans the full spectrum of the undergraduate program—from theory to clinical instruction—and is underpinned by a strong philosophy of human flourishing, Universal Design for Learning, and arts-based engagement. Additionally, my scholarly work includes peer-reviewed publications on peripheral intravenous cannulation, simulation effectiveness, and students-as-partners approaches. I co-lead the MOVE Improve quality improvement project, bringing together students, clinicians, and academic partners to advance clinical readiness of BScN and BN students. As guest of the PEP Talks podcast, I foster reflective dialogues on teaching and learning within the profession. Beyond the university, I co-chair the Bragg Creek and Redwood Meadows Wellness Network, securing external grants and leading community health initiatives that address rural well-being. My dedication to student success, academic collaboration, and pedagogical innovation has been recognized through multiple nominations and awards, reflecting my commitment to excellence in nursing education.

Research

Areas of Research

Innovation in healthcare

Innovation in Healthcare: Enhancing Psychomotor Skill Success

Our research program is dedicated to improving nursing education and clinical readiness by integrating patients as research partners and fostering leadership in transdisciplinary teams. We aim to address complex health systems and challenges through innovative teaching and learning strategies.

For example, there is evidence that expert surgeons and athletes utilize a specific gaze technique, known as the Quiet Eye, which is crucial for success. However, the relationship between gaze, skill acquisition, and motor performance has not been thoroughly explored within the nursing field. Our robust research program seeks to examine this link, testing and implementing new strategies to enhance the teaching and learning of multiple psychomotor skills in healthcare education.

Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

Courses

Course number Course title Semester
NURS 552 Principles of Teaching and Learning for Nursing Practice: Nurse as Educator Fall 2023
NURS 387 The Science of Health: Families in Transition Winter 2023
NURS 289 Integrating Nursing Roles & Practice I: Learn, Praxis & Scholarship Practicum Setting Fall 2022
NURS 389 Integrating Nursing Roles & Practice II: Learn, Praxis & Scholarship Practicum Setting Spring 2022
NURS 389 Integrating Nursing Roles & Practice II: Learn, Praxis & Scholarship Practicum Setting Winter 2022
NURS 289 Integrating Nursing Roles & Practice I: Learn, Praxis & Scholarship Practicum Setting Winter 2022
NURS 387 The Science of Health: Families in Transition Winter 2020
NURS 289 Integrating Nursing Roles & Practice I: Learn, Praxis & Scholarship Practicum Setting Winter 2020

Awards

  • Growing the Network, Bragg Creek & Redwood Meadows Wellness Network, Rocky View County, Family and Community Support Services. 2025
  • Tableside Talks, Bragg Creek & Redwood Meadows Wellness Network, Rocky View County, Family and Community Support Services. 2025
  • University of Calgary Teaching Award Nominee, University of Calgary. 2024
  • Teaching Academy Grant for Educational Leadership, Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning. 2024
  • Educational Leadership Award Nominee, Alberta Nursing Eduction Administrators. 2023
  • University of Calgary Teaching Award Nominee, University of Calgary. 2023
  • Vice President Research Catalyst Grant, University of Calgary. 2022
  • Educational Leadership Award Nominee, Alberta Nursing Eduction Administrators. 2019
  • Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning Grant: Developing Nursing Expertise: Application of the Quiet Eye to Nursing Education, University of Calgary. 2017

Publications

  • Students as Partners in Higher Education: Perspectives & Practices. Tracey L. Clancy PhD, Shannon Parker MN RN. Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning Teaching Academy. (2024)
  • Courageous teaching and learning within genuine student as partner practices.. Parker, Shannon I.A., Pepers, A., Viet-Blonde, H., & Clancy, T. . Conference on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching. . (2024)
  • A Human Factors Evaluation of Intramuscular Naloxone Kits for Use in Opioid Overdose Prevention. Richardson, A., Kam, J., Parker, S.I.A., & Caird, Jeff K.. International Symposium on Human Factors and Ergonomics in Health Care. (2024)
  • • Teaching, learning, becoming, and sustaining: Curriculum innovations to address students' mental health, well-being, and professional identity . Estefan, A., Parker, SIA, Clancy, T., Davidson, K., O'Rae, A., Laing, C.. NETNEP 2024: 9th International Nurse Education Conference. (2024)
  • Engaging learners in a large classroom: An authentic family nursing simulation experience. O'Rae, A., Parker, S.I.A., Ferreira, C.. Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Conference. (2021)
  • Successful integration of dedication simulation and research teams. Parker, S.I.A., Prince, P., Morgan, P., & Goldsworthy, S.. National League for Nursing Education Summit. (2017)
  • The changing landscape: Integrating addiction medicine with nursing education.. Stachan, S., Parker, S.I.A., Cullen, M.. Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine. (2017)
  • Development of simulations to address difficult conversations across clinical specialties: For senior nursing students. Prince, P., Parker, S.I.A., Morgan, P., & Goldsworthy, S. International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. (2017)

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