Dr. Tiia Saastamoinen is a Senior Lecturer at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, specializing in nursing, acute care, intensive care, pharmacotherapy, nursing education, and simulation pedagogy. With a strong academic background in nursing science, she has dedicated her career to improving nursing education and clinical training through innovative methodologies. Her research focuses on the integration of simulation-based learning, particularly using 3D gaming interventions to enhance medication administration training. She has published multiple studies in reputable journals, contributing to the advancement of nursing education and patient safety. Dr. Saastamoinen has also served in various roles in healthcare, from primary nursing to clinical specialization in intensive care, providing her with extensive practical experience. Her expertise extends to teaching, research, and curriculum development, making her a valuable asset in the field of nursing education. She actively engages in research and academic collaborations, striving to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and clinical practice. Her dedication to improving nursing education and healthcare delivery highlights her significance in the field. She continues to contribute to healthcare advancements through her research, teaching, and professional experience, making her a strong candidate for recognition in nursing science and education.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Tiia Saastamoinen holds a PhD in Nursing Science from the University of Eastern Finland, awarded in 2023. She also earned a Master’s degree in Nursing Science from the same institution in 2012, further solidifying her expertise in nursing education and research. She has pursued additional professional qualifications to enhance her teaching and research skills. In 2017, she completed a course in Simulation Pedagogy (NESTLED Simulation-based Learning for Educators) at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, which contributed to her specialization in innovative learning techniques. In 2014, she obtained a Vocational Teacher Qualification (60 credits) from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, demonstrating her commitment to teaching excellence. Dr. Saastamoinen’s initial nursing education began with a Registered Nurse degree in Acute Care Nursing from Stadia University of Applied Sciences in 2000. Her foundational training started in 1995 when she completed a Primary Nurse qualification at the Helsinki Nursing School. Her diverse educational background reflects a strong foundation in both nursing practice and education, enabling her to integrate advanced teaching methods into healthcare training. Her academic journey showcases a continuous commitment to learning, research, and professional development in the field of nursing education.
Professional Experience
Dr. Tiia Saastamoinen has an extensive professional background in nursing education and healthcare. Since 2010, she has been serving as a Senior Lecturer at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, where she teaches and conducts research in nursing education, acute care, and simulation pedagogy. Before transitioning to academia, she accumulated valuable clinical experience as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Helsinki University Hospital, a role she has held since 2000. Additionally, she worked as a Clinical Specialist in Intensive Care at the same institution in 2010, where she played a key role in enhancing patient care and medical procedures. Between 1995 and 2000, she served as a Primary Nurse at Helsinki University Hospital, gaining foundational experience in patient care and nursing management. Dr. Saastamoinen also contributed to medical education as an Editor for SanomaPro from 2006 to 2007, demonstrating her expertise in academic writing and publication. Her professional experience spans both clinical and academic settings, providing her with a well-rounded perspective on nursing practice and education. Her ability to bridge practical nursing experience with innovative teaching methodologies has made her a distinguished figure in the field of healthcare education.
Research Interests
Dr. Tiia Saastamoinen’s research interests primarily focus on nursing education and the integration of technology to enhance learning outcomes. She specializes in simulation pedagogy, particularly in the development and application of 3D simulation games for nursing students. Her research aims to improve the medication administration process, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience in a controlled, risk-free environment. Additionally, she is interested in acute care and intensive care nursing, where she explores patient safety measures and innovative nursing techniques. Another key area of her research is pharmacotherapy and medication safety, emphasizing the reduction of medical errors through advanced training methods. She also investigates best practices in nursing education, including curriculum development and the use of digital tools in training programs. Dr. Saastamoinen’s work contributes to enhancing the quality of nursing education, improving patient care, and integrating modern technology into healthcare training. Her interdisciplinary research bridges the gap between traditional nursing education and contemporary digital learning solutions, making her a key contributor to the future of healthcare education.
Research Skills
Dr. Tiia Saastamoinen possesses a diverse set of research skills that enhance her contributions to nursing education and healthcare training. She is highly proficient in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, particularly in educational and healthcare settings. Her expertise includes designing and implementing intervention studies, with a focus on simulation-based learning and digital education technologies. She has experience in developing and analyzing 3D simulation games to improve medication administration training, demonstrating her ability to integrate technology into research. Additionally, she is skilled in conducting systematic literature reviews, data analysis, and academic writing, ensuring that her research meets high scholarly standards. Dr. Saastamoinen is adept at interdisciplinary collaboration, working with experts in nursing, education, and technology to enhance her research outcomes. Her ability to translate research findings into practical applications makes her work highly relevant to both academia and clinical practice. She is also experienced in supervising students and mentoring emerging researchers, further contributing to the advancement of nursing science. Her strong research skills enable her to develop innovative educational tools that improve nursing education and patient care outcomes.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Tiia Saastamoinen has made significant contributions to nursing education and healthcare research, earning recognition in academic and professional circles. While specific awards and honors are not listed in her profile, her contributions to the field suggest a high level of expertise and impact. She has been actively involved in research that enhances nursing education through simulation pedagogy, a field that has gained increasing attention in recent years. Her published studies in peer-reviewed journals demonstrate the significance of her work in improving medication safety and patient care through innovative educational techniques. As a Senior Lecturer at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, she has played a key role in shaping the next generation of nursing professionals. Her expertise and dedication to integrating technology into nursing education have positioned her as a leader in her field. Given her contributions, she is a strong candidate for future academic and research awards recognizing excellence in nursing education, simulation-based learning, and healthcare innovation.
Conclusion
Dr. Tiia Saastamoinen is a distinguished researcher and educator in the field of nursing science, specializing in simulation-based learning, acute care, and medication administration. With a strong academic background, including a PhD in Nursing Science, she has made significant contributions to improving nursing education through innovative teaching methodologies. Her research focuses on integrating 3D simulation games into nursing training, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Her extensive clinical and academic experience positions her as a leader in healthcare education. While she has demonstrated remarkable expertise, expanding her publication record, securing research funding, and engaging in international collaborations could further enhance her academic influence. Her work has the potential to shape the future of nursing education, making her a valuable asset to the field. With her dedication to improving healthcare training and patient safety, Dr. Saastamoinen is a strong candidate for recognition and further academic achievements.
Publication Top Notes
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“Students’ experiences of a computer-based simulation game as a learning method for medication process: A qualitative study”
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Authors: Tiia Saastamoinen, Minna Elomaa-Krapu, Marja Härkänen, Anita Näslindh-Ylispangar, Katri Vehviläinen-Julkunen
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Year: 2024
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“Impact of 3D Simulation Game as a Method to Learn Medication Administration Process: Intervention Research for Nursing Students”
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“Identifying Risk Areas of Medication Administration Process for Developing an Interactive Three-Dimensional Game Intervention”
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“Lääkehoidon oppimismenetelmät ammattikorkeakouluissa – haastattelututkimus sairaanhoitajakoulutuksen lääkehoidon opettajille”