Stacy Blythe Student Profile

Name: Stacy Blythe
Course: PhD programStacy Blythe

Stacy was appointed as an Associate Lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery in 2008. Prior to this she was employed by Sydney West Area Health Service working as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Blacktown Hospital. Stacy completed the Bachelor of Nursing at UWS in 2002, graduating with Distinction and was awarded the Dean’s Medal for academic excellence. She completed the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) at UWS in 2008, was awarded first class honours and the University Medal. Stacy is currently enrolled in the higher degree research program at UWS and a recipient of a full-time scholarship. 

Stacy is a member of the Family and Community Health Research Group which is a University Research Group incorporating staff from the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, Medicine, Psychology, Biomedical and Health Sciences, and Business. FaCH comprises a number of established programs of research.

Stacy was born in the United States and immigrated in 1994 after marrying her Australian husband, John. She is 37 years old and combines part-time teaching with her full-time study load while caring for her home and eight children. 

Stacy’s Honours Thesis was a systematic review in the area of dementia. In 2007 she travelled to Dublin, Ireland to present the findings at 10th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College. 

Why did you decide to undertake a research program?
I decided to undertake a research program because I wanted to “make a difference” in society as well as further my career as a nurse academic. I thoroughly enjoy a challenge and have found my research program to be just that!

What is your research topic?
My research is focused on issues facing female foster carers. Using a qualitative, storytelling method, I am trying to put together an accurate picture of what it is like to be a female foster carer. Currently, in Australia, there are not enough foster carers. It is my hope, that this research will help inform recruitment and retention strategies.

What is it like to be a PhD student at UWS?
While I have found my research program to be very challenging, I have never felt alone on the journey. The higher degree research students in the School of Nursing and Midwifery are a close knit group who support one another every step of the way. I have also found my supervision panel easily accessible and extremely supportive on many levels. 

What has been the highlight of your PhD work?
There have been many highlights during my journey as a PhD candidate, however, if forced to choose one, I would have to say meeting the participants of my study and hearing their stories. It is such a humbling and life changing experience to have someone share their personal story with you. It is also extremely motivating. With every interview I conduct, I feel the need to make my thesis the absolute best it can be – because the participants deserve it!

What are your professional goals after the completing of your PhD?
I anticipate returning to a full-time teaching position at UWS while continuing to research. The skills I am acquiring while undertaking this research program are preparing me for further research and I look forward to doing it.