Dr. Emel Kulekci | Medication Administration Errors| Best Researcher Award
Lecturer at Yüksek Ihtisas University, Turkey
Emel Külekci is an esteemed academic and researcher in the field of nursing, specializing in surgical nursing and anesthesia. She has contributed significantly to nursing education, research, and professional development. With years of experience in both clinical practice and academia, she has played a pivotal role in advancing patient care methodologies, particularly in medication administration and perioperative nursing. Currently serving as a Lecturer at Yüksek İhtisas University, she is actively involved in various academic and administrative positions, fostering excellence in health sciences education and research.
Profile
Education
Emel Külekci has an extensive academic background in nursing and healthcare sciences. She earned her Ph.D. in Surgical Nursing from the University of Health Sciences in 2023, where her doctoral research focused on the impact of a checklist for enteral medication administration on reducing errors. Prior to that, she completed her Master’s degree in Surgical Nursing through a distance education program at Atatürk University in 2014. Her foundational education in nursing began with a Bachelor’s degree from Gülhane Military Academy of Medicine in 2003. Through her academic journey, she has gained in-depth expertise in perioperative nursing care and patient safety.
Experience
With a rich career spanning clinical and academic roles, Emel Külekci has accumulated substantial experience in nursing education and research. Since 2019, she has been a Lecturer at Yüksek İhtisas University in the Department of Medical Services and Techniques, specializing in Anesthesia. She has also taken on various administrative roles, such as serving on the Academic Incentive and Performance Evaluation Commission, the Ethics Committee for Non-Interventional Research, and the Quality Coordination Unit. Her leadership experience includes serving as Head of Program for both the Anesthesia and Medical Documentation and Secretariat programs. Through these roles, she has contributed to curriculum development, student mentorship, and academic administration.
Research Interest
Emel Külekci’s research interests primarily lie in perioperative nursing, patient safety, enteral nutrition, and medication administration. She has focused on optimizing clinical practices to enhance patient outcomes, particularly in surgical settings. Her doctoral research revolved around enteral medication administration, highlighting her commitment to improving nursing protocols and reducing medical errors. Additionally, she has investigated the psychological aspects of nursing, including personality traits of surgical nurses and their effects on professional performance. Her research extends to innovative healthcare delivery methods, such as telehealth applications for rural cancer patients.
Awards
Emel Külekci has been recognized for her contributions to nursing research and education. Her work has been acknowledged in international and national scientific communities, and she has been involved in key research projects that have influenced clinical practice. She has received funding and institutional recognition for her academic contributions and innovative approaches to nursing education. Her patent for an enteral feeding tablet pump further exemplifies her commitment to advancing medical technology in patient care.
Selected Publications
Külekci, E., & Iyigün, E. (2025). Effectiveness of a checklist for enteral medication administration: A randomized controlled trial. Nursing in Critical Care, 30(2), 1-11. [DOI: 10.1111/nicc.13275]
Külekci, E., Karaman Özlü, Z., & Özer, N. (2015). Sociotropic and autonomous personality traits of nurses working in surgical clinics. Journal of Anatolia Nursing and Health Sciences, 18(2). [DOI: 10.17049/ahsbd.82921]
Tuğ, Ö., Savsar, A., Özkan, Y., & Külekci, E. (2022). Analysis of nurses’ professional experiences using narrative design: A qualitative study. 4th International and 12th National Turkish Surgical and Operating Room Nursing Congress.
Kolçak, B., Külekci, E., et al. (2023). Safe enteral drug administration in oncology patients. 5th International and 6th National Oncology Nursing Congress.
Külekci, E., Yilmaz Şahin, S., & Iyigün, E. (2019). Examining the ethical sensitivity levels of final-year nursing students. 1st International and 2nd National Healthcare Services Congress.
Kolçak, B., Külekci, E. (2022). Alternative nursing care for cancer patients living in rural areas: Telehealth solutions. 5th International and 6th National Oncology Nursing Congress.
Tamer, F., Aymelek, H., Külekci, E., & Kolçak, B. (2022). A review of nursing education studies published during the COVID-19 period. 4th International and 12th National Turkish Surgical and Operating Room Nursing Congress.
Conclusion
Emel Külekci has made significant contributions to nursing education, research, and practice. Her expertise in surgical nursing and patient safety has led to meaningful advancements in healthcare education and clinical protocols. Through her research, teaching, and administrative roles, she continues to influence the next generation of nursing professionals, fostering a culture of excellence in healthcare. With a focus on innovative research and quality patient care, she remains a dedicated figure in the field of nursing science.