About

Carol Wilson, BSN, RN

I am a nurse with a passion for clear language and health literacy. I have been teaching clear language and design workshops, primarily within healthcare, since 1995. Since 2009, I have also been teaching the importance of health literacy and cultural competency to health professionals. Currently, I also work as a plain language editor, helping health professionals develop understandable patient education materials for one of the health authorities in the lower mainland of B.C.

I attend any webinar, workshop, seminar, or conference that focuses on health literacy, cultural competency, clear or plain language, and health communication.

Publications

  • McCall, Jane. Wilson, Carol. (2015). Promoting Health Literacy in an HIV-infected Population: Creating Staff Awareness, Journal Of The Association Of Nurses In Aids Care, Vol. 26, No. 4, July/August, pg. 498-502 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jana.2014.11.003)

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Specialty Nursing (Emergency) from BCIT
  • Advanced Diploma in Health Sciences from BCIT
  • Post Basic Emergency Certificate from Douglas College

How I got Here

I started my nursing career as an emergency nurse at the Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary (my alma mater). From there, I moved to BC, taking a teaching position in the Emergency Certificate program at Douglas College followed by BCIT. I worked in the Emergency Departments of the Royal Columbian Hospital and Children’s Hospital.

I have worked as an educator within the healthcare system in different capacities. While working as a general nurse educator at Richmond Hospital, I was asked to help work through the process of translating a selection of patient education materials. During this process, I came to understand the need to communicate clearly. If the translators did not understand what we were saying, how could they possibly translate it in such a way that our patients would understand? My passion for clear language was born. In the last few years, I have become increasingly aware of the importance health literacy plays in safe patient care. I have since expanded my focus to include increasing health professionals’ awareness of health literacy and how limited health literacy, culture, and language can impact care.

email:  carol(at)carolwilson(dot)ca