Biography summary
Professor Johnstone is one of Australia’s foremost nursing scholars and an internationally renowned nursing and healthcare ethicist. Her scholarly work and research have focused on a range of issues including: patient rights; cross-cultural ethics; patient safety ethics; professional conduct; and end-of-life ethics, with a particular focus on end-of-life decision-making in an aging society. In 1989, Johnstone published Bioethics: a nursing perspective, the first book of its kind to be written from an Australasian perspective. Published as a 6th revised edition, this work has the distinction of having been in print for 27 years. Other major publications include a three volume major reference work on Nursing Ethics (2015; Sage,UK), which has been released worldwide:
Volume I: Developing theoretical foundations for nursing ethics
Volume II: Nursing ethics pedagogy and praxis.
Volume III: Politics and future directions of nursing ethics
Career highlights
1. Publication of book: Bioethics: a nursing perspective (Elsevier Australia)
In 1989, the first edition was published by Bailliere Tindall/WB Saunders, an imprint of Harcourt Brace Jovanovich (HBJ). This work was the first of its kind to be written from an Australasian perspective and, on account of its scholastic excellence as well as its practical application of bioethics to nursing, quickly emerged as a leader in its field. Revised editions of the work were published respectively in 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2016. The book has international distribution rights, is widely cited in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and can be found in the library holdings of several non-English speaking countries in Europe and South Asia. In 2005, the 2004 edition was ranked in the top 50 (38th) of philosophy books sold by Amazon.com.uk. The work also has a substantial presence on Google, Ninemsn, Yahoo, and other general internet search engines.
2. Sage Publications UK: Sage Major Reference Work on Nursing Ethics
This work is the first of its kind in the world and has been organised into three volumes encompassing the following thematic approaches:
Vol.1: Developing theoretical foundations for nursing ethics
Vol.2: Nursing ethics pedagogy and praxis
Vol.3: Politics and future directions of nursing ethics.
This project involved bringing together the foundational articles in the discipline, which I was required to select and introduce by way of a 15,000 word editorial for volume 1 covering the scope of the entire major work, and two 7000 word volume specific introductions for volumes 2 and 3. These major reference works are not readers. They are intended to present a nuanced reading of the key issues/concepts in depth – not just a representative ‘synthetic’ paper, or already much anthologized paper. The emphasis is on comprehensive, scholarly discussion and from – as appropriate – sources that are not always easily accessible (the emphasis is on journals, though key chapters in books were appropriate in some instances). The principal market for this product is libraries in East and South East Asia, Europe and North America. Since many libraries do not have ‘depth’ (specifically) in their journal stock – these multi-volume references obviate the need for Inter-Library loans or buying back issues of journals. Sage Major Works are especially helpful to students as well as to scholars and researchers since they enable learners, scholars and researchers to: explore the topic themselves, initially read a few pertinent articles that allow them to develop their knowledge beyond text book representations of the literature, and deepen their own knowledge of and insights regarding the subject. This, in turn, can assist readers to identify new problems requiring solutions and old problems that can be addressed in new ways.
3. In 2008, invited to write a bi-monthly inaugural ethics column for the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal (ANMJ).To date 6 columns per year have been published, each being around 1000 words in length. A wide range of topics have been addressed. In 2015, the ANMJ had an audited circulation of 98,750 and a readership of over 144,000.
Research interests
Professor Johnstone’s research is primarily concerned with understanding and promoting ethical thinking, decision-making, practice and policy development in nursing and healthcare contexts. This research can be broken down into five key interrelated areas:
- Patient rights and vulnerable populations
- Cross-cultural ethics in healthcare
- Patient safety ethics
- Ethical issues at the end of life
- Ethical professional conduct
Her research and scholarship has informed the development and operationalization of national and international codes and standards of ethical conduct in nursing and related position statements.
Affiliations
Fellow, Australia College of Nursing (FACN)
Member, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation
Member (Nurse Leader category), Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
Member, Australian Society of Authors
Teaching interests
Professor Johnstone's teaching interests are strongly aligned with her research interests and are primarily concerned with furthering understanding and promoting critical thinking on ethical issues in nursing, healthcare, patient safety, cultural diversity adn end-of-life decision-making. She has published, presented and taught widely on these issues as well as prepared instructional design learning packages for registered nurses, including:
- Nursing and healthcare ethics
- Patient safety and clinical risk management
Conferences
2015
- Johnstone, M. Peer reviewed Oral Presentation: ‘Ethics and the mandatory reporting of elder abuse’. 48th Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) National Conference, 4-6 November, Alice Springs Convention Centre, Alice Springs, NT (5 November, 2015)
- Johnstone, M., Rawson, H., Hutchinson, A., & Redley, B. Peer reviewed Table Top Presentation: Fostering trust in the nurse-patient relationship with hospitalised ethnic elderly. 48th Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) National Conference, 4-6 November, Alice Springs Convention Centre, Alice Springs, NT (5 November, 2015).
- Johnstone, M-J. Invited guest speaker: Australia’s Border Force Act (2015) and its assault on nursing ethics, 12th Biennial National Enrolled Nurses Association of Australia (NENA) conference, Intercontinental, North Terrace, Adelaide, 21 October, 2015.
- Johnstone, M-J. Invited Panel member: ‘“Do’s and don’ts” of using social media’, 12th Biennial National Enrolled Nurses Association of Australia (NENA) conference, Intercontinental, North Terrace, Adelaide, 21 October, 2015.
- Johnstone, M. Invited keynote speaker: ‘Patient and nurse safety research: global perspectives’, Mahidol University, Faculty of Nursing 60th Birthday Anniversary [of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn] Conference: Patient Safety, 17-19 June, 2015 (17 June, 2015)
- Johnstone M. Invited keynote address: Nursing ethics futures – challenges in the 21st century for primary health care nurses. Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) Annual National Conference – Brave to Bold, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, 14-16 May (15 May).
- Johnstone M. Invited concurrent speaker: Primary health care and protecting the wellbeing of vulnerable populations – a matter of social justice. Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) Annual National Conference – Brave to Bold, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, 14-16 May (15 May).
2014
- Johnstone, M., Hutchinson, A., Redley, B., & Rawson, H. Peer reviewed oral paper: Registered nurse end-of-life decision making concerning ethnic elderly patients admitted to Victorian hospitals. 47th Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) National Conference “50 not out – aiming for a century”, Adelaide Oval 26-28th November.
- Jones, A., Johnstone, M-J, & Duke, M. Peer reviewed oral paper: Patient safety and gaps management by registered nurses. ISQua13 – 30th Conference of the International Society for Quality in Health Care, Edinburgh, UK 13-16 October, 2014
- Johnstone, M. Invited guest speaker: Ethics and Advance Care Planning in a culturally diverse society. Diversicare Professional Development Forum: “Forever Young: Better Health and Wellbeing for older Australians”, 12 June, Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns, QLD.
- Johnstone, M. Invited guest speaker: Organisational and leadership ethics: responsibility, integrity and trust. QNU Professional Practice and Ethics Annual Conference, Royal International Convention Centre, RNA Show Grounds, Brisbane, 7 March, 2014
Awards
2010: Australian College of Nursing (formerly Royal College of Nursing, Australia) Merit Award for Publication - Awarded for evidence of a sustained authorship resulting in publications in refereed journals or books that: address issues of contemporary significance to the profession; provide critical analysis of the issue; challenge the current situation; argues for reform or change.
1998: Recipient of the Inaugural Mona Menzies Post Doctoral Research Award, Nurses Board of Victoria, to conduct post doctoral research into ethical issues associated with the mandatory reporting of child abuse.
1990: Recipient of Annie M. Sage Nursing Memorial Scholarship, Royal College of Nursing, Australia, to support PhD research program
1983: Awarded Prior Society Prize in Philosophy, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand, for third year student demonstrating outstanding ability in the subject of philosophy.
Projects
Professor Johnstone is involved in a wide range of School, Faculty and University committees:
- School of Nursing and Midwifery Advisory Board
- School of Nursing and Midwifery Professoriate
- School Research and Research Training (SRRT) Committee
- School Academic Progress Committee
- Faculty Board (Elected member)
She also serves by invitation as:
- Nominated Consultant (Ethics and Human Rights) to the International Council of Nurses, Geneva.
- Bi-monthly columnist (Ethics Focus) for the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal (ANMJ)
Professor Johnstone reviews research applications for state and national funding bodies.
Publications
Nurse ethicists: Innovative resource or ideological aspiration?
M Johnstone
(2023), Vol. 30, pp. 680-687, Nursing Ethics, London, Eng., C1-1
Managing gaps in the continuity of nursing care to enhance patient safety
A Jones, M Johnstone
(2019), Vol. 26, pp. 151-157, Collegian, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
Media representation of the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis: an Australian perspective
S Bouchoucha, E Whatman, M Johnstone
(2019), Vol. 24, pp. 23-31, Infection, disease and health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
Fostering trusting relationships with older immigrants hospitalised for end-of-life care
M Johnstone, H Rawson, A Hutchinson, B Redley
(2018), Vol. 25, pp. 760-772, Nursing Ethics, England, C1
A Jones, M-J Johnstone
(2017), Vol. 30, pp. 219-223, Australian critical care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
Culture matters: Indigenizing patient safety in Bhutan
R Pelzang, M Johnstone, A Hutchinson
(2017), Vol. 32, pp. 1042-1048, Health Policy and Planning, England, C1
M Johnstone, A Hutchinson, B Redley, H Rawson
(2016), Vol. 27, pp. 471-479, Journal of Transcultural Nursing, United States, C1
M-J Johnstone, A Hutchinson, H Rawson, B Redley
(2016), Vol. 52, pp. 269-285, Contemporary nurse, Abingdon, Eng., C1
Recognising and responding to 'cutting corners' when providing nursing care: a qualitative study
A Jones, M-J Johnstone, M Duke
(2016), Vol. 25, pp. 2126-2133, Journal of clinical nursing, Chichester, Eng., C1
M Johnstone
(2016), Vol. 33, pp. 35-45, Australian journal of advanced nursing, Melbourne, Vic., C1
M Johnstone, A Hutchinson, H Rawson, B Redley
(2016), Vol. 3, pp. 57-63, Journal of patient experience, London, Eng., C1-1
'Moral distress'-time to abandon a flawed nursing construct?
M-J Johnstone, A Hutchinson
(2015), Vol. 22, pp. 5-14, Nursing ethics, London, Eng., C1
M Street, G Ottmann, M Johnstone, J Considine, P Livingston
(2015), Vol. 23, pp. 513-522, Health and social care in the community, Milton, Qld, C1
'Moral luck' and the question of autonomy, choice, and control in end-of-life decision making
M-J Johnstone
(2015), Vol. 23, pp. 126-132, Progress in Palliative Care, C1
'Hands-on' assessment: a useful strategy for improving patient safety in emergency departments
A Jones, M Johnstone, M Duke
(2015), Vol. 18, pp. 212-217, Australasian emergency nursing journal, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
M Johnstone, S Turale
(2014), Vol. 16, pp. 67-77, Nurisng and Health Sciences, Richmond, Vic., C1
M Botti, B Kent, T Bucknall, M Duke, M Johnstone, J Considine, B Redley, S Hunter, R de Steiger, M Holcombe, E Cohen
(2014), Vol. 9, pp. 1-11, Implementation science, London, England, C1
M Johnstone
(2013), Surrey, England, A1
Dealing with ethical issues in nursing practice
M Johnstone, E Crock
(2012), pp. 145-157, Transitions in nursing : preparing for professional practice, Chatswood, N.S.W., B1
Academic freedom and the obligation to ensure morally responsible scholarship in nursing
M Johnstone
(2012), Vol. 19, pp. 107-115, Nursing inquiry, Oxford, England, C1
M Johnstone
(2012), Vol. 37, pp. 181-200, Journal of medicine and philosophy, Cary, N.C., C1
M Johnstone
(2012), Vol. 44, pp. 896-907, Journal of pain and symptom mangement, Philadelphia, Pa., C1
Nursing and justice as a basic human need
M Johnstone
(2011), Vol. 12, pp. 34-44, Nursing philosophy : an international journal for healthcare professionals, Oxford, England, C1
Metaphors, stigma and the 'Alzheimerization' of the euthanasia debate
M Johnstone
(2011), pp. 1-17, Dementia, London England, C1
The neglect of racism as an ethical issue in health care
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2010), Vol. 12, pp. 489-495, Journal of immigrant and minority health, New York, N.Y., C1
M Johnstone, S Turale, E Crock
(2010), Vol. 8, pp. 1-15, JBI database of systematic reviews and implementation reports, Adelaide, S. Aust., C1-1
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2009), Vol. 90, pp. 1-7, Health policy, Limerick, Ireland, C1
M Botti, T Bucknall, P Cameron, M Johnstone, B Redley, S Evans, S Jeffcott
(2009), Vol. 190, Medical journal of Australia, Sydney, N.S.W., C1
Population ageing and the politics of demographic alarmism : implications for the nursing profession
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2009), Vol. 26, pp. 86-92, Australian journal of advanced nursing, Melbourne, Vic., C1-1
Ethics and advance care planning in a culturally diverse society
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2009), Vol. 20, pp. 405-416, Journal of transcultural nursing, Thousand Oaks, Calif., C1
The spectrum of 'new racism' and discrimination in hospital contexts: a reappraisal
M-J Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2009), Vol. 16, pp. 63-69, Collegian, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1
The problem of failing to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2008), pp. 176-187, Analysing health policy : a problem-oriented approach, Marrickville, N.S.W., B1-1
Ethnic aged discrimination and disparities in health and social care : a question of social justice
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2008), Vol. 27, pp. 110-115, Australasian journal on ageing, Carlton, Vic., C1-1
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2008), Vol. 11, pp. 133-154, Race, ethnicity and education, London, England, C1-1
M Johnstone
(2008), Vol. 11, pp. 88-94, Australasian emergency nursing journal, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1
M Johnstone
(2008), Vol. 11, pp. 123-129, Australasian emergency nursing journal, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1
Cultural racism, language prejudice and discrimination in hospital contexts : an Australian study
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2008), Vol. 5, pp. 19-30, Diversity in health and social care, Abingdon, England, C1-1
The nature and implications of support in graduate nurse transition programs : an Australian study
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki, T Currie
(2008), Vol. 24, pp. 46-53, Journal of professional nursing, Philadelphia, Pa., C1-1
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2008), Vol. 17, pp. 162-173, Quality management in health care, Philadelphia, PA, C1-1
Dealing with ethical issues in nursing practice
M Johnstone
(2007), pp. 1-1, Transitions in nursing : preparing for professional practice, Marrickville, N.S.W., B1-1
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki, T Currie, E Smith, C McGennisken
(2007), Vol. 7, pp. 247-257, Nurse education in practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2007), Vol. 14, pp. 96-105, Journal of cultural diversity, Lisle, Ill., C1-1
M Johnstone
(2007), Vol. 31, pp. 391-406, International journal of intercultural relations, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1
Journal impact factors: implications for the nursing profession
M Johnstone
(2007), Vol. 54, pp. 35-40, International nursing review, Oxford, England, C1-1
M Johnstone
(2007), Vol. 10, pp. 80-85, Australasian emergency nursing journal, Oxford, England, C1-1
M Johnstone
(2007), Vol. 10, pp. 13-20, Australasian emergency nursing journal, Oxford, England, C1-1
Clinical risk management and patient safety education for nurses : a critique
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2007), Vol. 27, pp. 185-191, Nurse education today, Kidlington, England, C1-1
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2007), Vol. 18, pp. 247-256, Journal of transcultural nursing, Thousand Oaks, Calif., C1-1
M Johnstone
(2006), pp. 129-138, Contexts of nursing : an introduction, Marrickville, N.S.W., B1-1
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2006), Vol. 15, pp. 268-278, Quality management in health care : an information service, Philadelphia, Pa., C1-1
Culture, language, and patient safety : making the link
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2006), Vol. 18, pp. 383-388, International journal for quality in health care, Cary, N.C., C1-1
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2006), Vol. 13, pp. 5-9, Collegian, Amsterdam, Netherlands, C1-1
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2006), Vol. 43, pp. 367-376, International journal of nursing studies, Oxford, England, C1-1
Processes for disciplining nurses for unprofessional conduct of a serious nature : a critique
M Johnstone, O Kanitsaki
(2005), Vol. 50, pp. 363-371, Journal of advanced nursing, Oxford, England, C1-1
Effective writing for health professionals : a guide to getting published
M Johnstone
(2004), London, Eng., A1-1
M Johnstone
(2004), Vol. 28, pp. 13-19, Australian health review, Sydney, N.S.W., C1-1
C Boucher, A Smyth, M Johnstone
(2004), Vol. 26, pp. 419-428, Journal of higher education policy and management, Melbourne, Vic., C1-1
Registered and enrolled nurses : experiences of ethical issues in nursing practice
M Johnstone, C Da Costa, S Turale
(2004), Vol. 22, pp. 31-37, Australian journal of advanced nursing, Melbourne, Vic., C1-1
Registered and enrolled nurses' experiences of ethical issues in nursing practice
M Johnstone, C da Costa, S Turale
(2004), Vol. 22, pp. 24-30, Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, C1-1
Ethical issues in the recruitment and retention of graduate nurses : a national concern
M Johnstone, M Stewart
(2003), Vol. 14, pp. 240-247, Contemporary nurse : a journal for the Australian nursing profession, Maleny, Qld., C1-1
The changing focus of health care ethics: implications for health care professionals.
M Johnstone
(2002), Vol. 12, pp. 213-224, Contemporary nurse : a journal for the Australian nursing profession, United States, C1-1
Stigma, social justice and the rights of the mentally ill: challenging the status quo.
M Johnstone
(2001), Vol. 10, pp. 200-209, The Australian and New Zealand journal of mental health nursing, Australia, C1-1
Reflective topical autobiography: an under utilised interpretive research method in nursing.
M Johnstone
(1999), Vol. 6, pp. 24-29, Collegian (Royal College of Nursing, Australia), Australia, C1-1
M Johnstone
(1992), Vol. 1, pp. 5-11, Contemporary Nurse, United States, C1-1
Professional Ethics and Patients' Rights: Past Realities, Future Imperatives
M‐ Johnstone
(1989), Vol. 24, pp. 29-34, Nursing Forum, United States, C1-1
Law, professional ethics and the problem of conflict with personal values
M Johnstone
(1988), Vol. 25, pp. 147-157, International Journal of Nursing Studies, England, C1-1
Professional ethics in nursing: a philosophical analysis.
M Johnstone
(1987), Vol. 4, pp. 12-21, The Australian journal of advanced nursing : a quarterly publication of the Royal Australian Nursing Federation, Australia, C1-1
Funded Projects at Deakin
Australian Competitive Grants
Translation of evidence into pain management practices in acute care environments.
Prof Mari Botti, Prof Bridie Kent, Prof Tracey Bucknall, Prof Megan-Jane Johnstone, Prof Maxine Duke, Prof Julie Considine, Ms Rosemary Watts, A/Prof Bernice Redley, Mr Richard de Steiger
ARC Linkage - Projects Rnd 1
- 2011: $103,683
- 2010: $40,830
Other Public Sector Funding
Inter-professional communication and team climate in complex clinical handover situations: issues for patient safety in the private sector.
Prof Mari Botti, Prof Tracey Bucknall, Prof Megan-Jane Johnstone, Prof Peter Cameron, A/Prof Bernice Redley, Dr Sue Evans, Dr Shelley Jeffcott
DHA Tender - Department of Health and Ageing
- 2010: $5,975
- 2009: $45,335
- 2008: $181,336
Application of international standards for internal audit in a clinical healthcare setting - Literature Review
Prof Alison Hutchinson, Prof Megan-Jane Johnstone
East Grampians Health Service
- 2012: $20,000
Nursing roles and strategies in end-of-life decision making involving older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds admitted to Victorian hospitals for end-of-life care
Prof Megan-Jane Johnstone, Prof Alison Hutchinson, A/Prof Bernice Redley
Nurses Board of VIC Grant - Research
- 2013: $39,573
Industry and Other Funding
Translation of evidence into pain management practices in acute care environments.
Prof Mari Botti, Prof Bridie Kent, Prof Tracey Bucknall, Prof Megan-Jane Johnstone, Prof Maxine Duke, Prof Julie Considine, Ms Rosemary Watts, A/Prof Bernice Redley, Mr Richard de Steiger
Epworth Healthcare
- 2011: $15,000
- 2010: $35,000
Media representation of antimicrobial resistance: risk and benefits to public understanding and preparedness for a ¿new dark age¿ of superbugs
A/Prof Stephane Bouchoucha, Prof Megan-Jane Johnstone
Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control - Early Career Research Grant
- 2016: $10,936
Supervisions
Rinchen Pelzang
Thesis entitled: Patient safety issues and concerns in Bhutan's healthcare system: a qualitative study
Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing), School of Nursing & Midwifery
Sonja Rickie Cleary
Thesis entitled: NURSE WHISTLEBLOWERS IN AUSTRALIAN HOSPITALS: A CRITICAL CASE STUDY
Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing), School of Nursing & Midwifery
Angela Margaret Jones
Thesis entitled: Patient safety and gaps management by registered nurses
Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing), School of Nursing & Midwifery