Specialized nurse at Hacettepe University, Turkey
Gülşah Vural Aktan is a committed academic and clinical professional in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing. With a multidisciplinary background that blends hands-on hospital experience and scholarly pursuit, she has contributed meaningfully to both patient care and academic literature. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing and has already demonstrated academic maturity through her diverse teaching roles, publications, and active participation in national and international conferences. Known for her holistic view of women’s health and her compassionate approach to sensitive topics such as infertility and gender-based violence, Vural Aktan has carved a niche in nursing sciences with a future-oriented research trajectory.
Education
Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Marmara University in 2007. Demonstrating a keen interest in women’s health, she pursued a Master of Science in Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing at Ankara University, graduating in 2019. Her master’s thesis, which explored the health literacy levels of women during the climacteric period, reflected her early interest in women’s healthcare awareness and preventive measures. Currently, she is enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Hacettepe University in the same field, further deepening her specialization and research scope.
Experience
Vural Aktan brings nearly two decades of hospital-based nursing experience to her academic career. She began her professional journey in 2007 as a nurse at Başkent University Hospital’s General Surgery ICU. This was followed by roles at Güven Hospital and multiple departments at Hacettepe University Hospitals, including the General Surgery ICU, Burn Unit, and Blood Center. Her deep clinical background informs her academic work, giving her unique insights into patient behavior, emotional responses, and treatment outcomes. Recently, she also embraced a teaching role as a course supervisor at Yüksek İhtisas University, enriching the educational experience for undergraduate nursing students.
Research Interests
Vural Aktan’s research interests are rooted in women’s health, particularly within the domains of infertility, health literacy, gender studies, and the psychosocial effects of reproductive challenges. Her inquiry into stress, self-compassion, and fertility adjustment showcases her commitment to investigating psychological resilience among women. Additionally, she addresses sociocultural issues like honor killings, viewing them through the lens of nursing and healthcare. These themes underscore her intention to influence both clinical care protocols and broader policy decisions related to gender and reproductive health.
Awards and Achievements
Gülşah Vural Aktan’s achievements are reflected in her active roles in organizing committees, participation in global training programs, and contribution to interdisciplinary conferences. She has earned numerous certifications, such as advanced life support, oncology nursing, and specialized workshops on infertility and psychosocial wellness. Notably, her participation in the University of Michigan’s 2022 Global Health Summer Institute and TÜBITAK’s earthquake health care training signify her commitment to lifelong learning and crisis-resilient health care practices.
Selected Publications
Her contributions to scholarly literature include several noteworthy publications:
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Vural, Aktan, G. & Özdemir, F. (2020) – Health Literacy Level in Women During the Climacteric Period. Çukurova Medical Journal, 45(1), 352–361. This study assessed health literacy and has been cited for its relevance in preventive women’s healthcare.
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Vural, Aktan, G. (2025) – Current Perspective on Honor and Customary Killings and Nursing. Journal of General Health Sciences (In Press). This paper critically analyzes cultural violence and its implications for nursing ethics.
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Vural Aktan, G., Yücel Özçirpan, Ç., Uslu Şahan, F., & Koç, G. (2025) – Does Self-Compassion Play a Mediating Role Between Stress and Fertility Adjustment in Women Undergoing Infertility Treatment: A Structural Equation Analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing. This publication explores the psychological factors impacting infertility treatment and has received attention from researchers in women’s mental health.
Each of these publications highlights the intersection of emotional, psychological, and social dimensions in women’s health—earning citations and fostering dialogue in the field.
Conclusion
Gülşah Vural Aktan exemplifies the qualities of an emerging leader in women’s health and nursing research. With a blend of robust clinical experience and academic rigor, she contributes meaningfully to the improvement of reproductive healthcare outcomes. Her work not only informs best practices in obstetrics and gynecology nursing but also bridges the gap between social justice and healthcare delivery. She is an ideal nominee for a research award recognizing impactful, empathetic, and forward-thinking contributions in the health sciences.