New chief nurse at Uppsala University Hospital

“I am really looking forward to this assignment, even though it is a complex one. But I enjoy that kind of challenge, and it feels both exciting and meaningful, not least because it brings together many of the things I have worked with previously. After all, I am a nurse at heart,” says Carina Ahlstedt.

She has worked as a lecturer at the Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, where she held roles including Deputy Head of Department, Director of studies and doctoral student. In parallel, she has been engaged in the development of learning environments, widening participation and research-related organisational development. Over the past five years, she has worked in municipal service as Head of the Unit for Competence Development, while maintaining a close link to the university.

“I have always worked at the intersection between hospital, region, municipality and university. Collaboration has been a common thread throughout my work. It feels natural to carry that perspective into the role of Chief Nurse.”

Wants to promote nursing and research

In her new role, Carina Ahlstedt will be part of the hospital’s executive management group, directly under the Hospital Director. According to her, this is a clear step towards strengthening the nursing perspective throughout the organisation.

“It is about ensuring that nurses feel secure in their profession and feel that their expertise is valued. Nursing care is a crucial aspect of patient safety, and this needs to be highlighted – both in everyday work and at a strategic level.”

She also stresses the importance of creating conditions for nursing research, even if she will not be conducting research herself in her new position.

“I see it as essential to help more people gain the opportunity to engage in research. We need to create structures that bring together day-to-day patient care with research, so that evidence truly becomes usable. That’s when it becomes sustainable.”

More voices needed in research

Carina Ahlstedt recently completed her PhD in Health and Medical Services research with a focus on organisational issues, and is currently an affiliated researcher. She wishes to continue contributing to research issues, including through her participation in the hospital’s research council and ethics council.

“It is important that we monitor and highlight nursing research so that it does not get lost among other priorities. There is a risk that important perspectives will not make an impact if we do not actively work to promote them.”

Strong support for continued collaboration

The collaboration between Uppsala University Hospital and Uppsala University is something she sees as self-evident to strengthen.

“I hope to contribute with new perspectives, since I have worked in so many different roles. I strongly believe in listening, connecting different parts and daring to raise questions. Collaboration is not about diminishing the responsibility of professionals, but about developing together. That is how we move healthcare and education forward,” concludes Carina Ahlstedt.

Robin Widing