University of British Columbia
School of Nursing
T201-2211 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver, B.C. V6T 2B5 CANADA

Phone: (604) 822-7417
Fax: (604) 822-7466
Email: n.clark@shaw.ca

Academic Information
2007 to present: PhD
University of British Columbia (Nursing)
Supervisor: Dr. Vicki Smye and Dr. Annette Brown

2005: Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Supervisor: Dr. Anne Dewar

1993: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Research Interests
To date my research has focused on examining religious and spiritual (RS) beliefs of individuals living with serious mental illness and addiction. My proposed area of study draws on critical feminist theoretical perspectives and intersectionality. I apply these perspectives in order to address the multiple intersecting factors which inform mental health and well-being for people who live with and experience addiction and mental ill health. In particular I am interested in how gender, culture, ethnicity, intersect with RS and how these intersections inform relational aspects of mental health practice. Overall there has been a lack of critical conversation at the intersections of RS, gender, culture, and ethnicity in mental health. This lack of theoretical development has created ethical dilemmas for nurses and other health care providers in mental health and addictions work as they seek to integrate RS with their practice.

Publications

• Chiu, L., Morrow, M., Ganesan, S. & Clark, N. (2005). Choice of South East Asian immigrant women with serious mental illness: A socio-spiritual process. Journal of Transcultural Psychiatry, 42(4), 630-656.
• Grabovac, A., & Clark, N. (2007). The interface between spirituality, religion & psychiatry. In J.D. Pappas, W. Smythe, & A. Baydala (Eds.), Cultural healing and belief systems (pp. 162-192). Calgary, AB: Detselig Enterprises.
• Grabovac, A., Clark, N. & McKenna, M. (2008). The interface between spirituality, religion and psychiatry: Pilot course and evaluation of course effectiveness. Academic Psychiatry, 32(4).
• Pesut, B., Clark, N., Maxwell, V. & Michalak, E. (in press). Religion and spirituality in the context of bipolar disorder: A literature review. Mental Health, Religion & Culture.
• Clark, N. & Dewar, A. (Submitted). Community mental health professionals’ perspectives on incorporating spirituality in their care of clients with serious mental illness: A qualitative inquiry. Qualitative Health Research.

Abstracts and Presentations

• Clark, N. (2010). Applying a feminist post-structural perspective on nursing and spirituality. Abstract and paper presentation for the 14th International Philosophy of Nursing Conference, Philosophizing Social Justice in Nursing, September 20-22, Vancouver, BC.
• Clark, N. (2009). Constructions of Aboriginal and the role of spirituality in healing and recovery: Implications for mental health and addictions care. Abstract and paper presented, to the 15th International Critical and Feminist Perspectives in Health and Social Justice Conference, AUT-University, Auckland, New Zealand. Travel award received by BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network, February, 2009.
• Clark, N. (2006). Community Mental Health Professionals’ Perspectives on Incorporating Spirituality in Their Care of Clients with Serious Mental Illness: A Qualitative Inquiry. Research Findings Presented at the 4th International Multidisciplinary Conference on Spirituality and Health: Interweaving Science, Wisdom and Compassion, November, 9-11, Vancouver, BC.
• Clark, N. & Grabovac, A. (2005). Conceptualization of Religion and Spirituality. Faculty of Medicine, UBC, Discussion paper presented to 4th year psychiatry residents.
• Clark, N. & Grabovac, A. (2005). Mental Illness, Spirituality and Research. Faculty of Medicine, UBC, Discussion paper presented to 4th year psychiatry residents.

Other Pursuits and Interests
I was born in Germany and was raised in a bicultural household. My heritage is Palestinian and Croatian. I immigrated to Canada in the early 70’s. I spend most of my spare time running and hiking with my dogs and enjoy travelling.