Prof. Katharina Fierz, PhD, RN

Work at ZHAW

Position

• Director, Institute of Nursing
• Director, Institute of Nursing / Deputy Director School of Health Sciences
• Chairwoman ZHAW integrity office

Focus

Institute management, ANP role development, ageing, integrity in research

Teaching

• Solution-orientated mentoring of students, thesis supervision BScN, MScN, 2012-
• Development, integration into curriculum, teaching activity of the topic area 'good scientific conduct - preventing scientific misconduct' (2008-2017)
• Development and implementation of the practice-based annual course on ANP role development in the MSc programme at the University of Basel (2013- 2018)
• Introduction to qualitative research (2012-2017)
• group supervision Action learning

Experience

• Head of the ZHAW Institute of Nursing with the Bsc, Msc/Research and Development, Continuing Education/Services divisions; member of the department management
  ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften
  04 / 2018 - today
• Postdoc, research associate at the University of Basel: student advisory service, research, teaching; from 2016 Chair of the Curriculum Committee, operational management of the Master of Science in Nursing programme Member of the Leadership Team
  University of Basel, Department of Public Health, Institute of Nursing Science
  06 / 2012 - 03 / 2018
• Research assistant at the University Hospital Basel; temporary member of the Leadership Team
  University of Basel, Department of Public Health, Institute of Nursing Science
  05 / 2006 - 02 / 2012
• Registered Nurse DN II
  Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich
  03 / 1997 - 12 / 2007

Education and Continuing education

Education

• PhD / Nursing Science
  University of Basel, Switzerland
  10 / 2005 - 10 / 2012
• Master in Science / Nursing
  University of Basel, Switzerland
  09 / 2000 - 09 / 2003
• Registered Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Diploma level II / Nursing
  School of the Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich
  09 / 1992 - 09 / 1996

Continuing Education

• Certificate of Advanced studies in e-learning design
  Lucerne Teacher Training University
  10 / 2016
• Certificate of Advanced studies in e-learning design
  ZurichTeacher Training University
  04 / 2013
• Attendance certificate: focus groups /Prof. Susanne Suggs; qualitative research: Prof. Jan Kruse
  Swiss School of Public Health
  08 / 2010
• Quantitative research, diverse Summer schools (mixed methods research, advanced quantitative methods, instrument development, quantitative research): attendance certificate
  University of Basel, Switzerland
  08 / 2009
• Diploma in applied statistics
  University of Berne, Switzerland
  10 / 2008

Network

Membership of networks

Swiss Association for Nursing Science: Academic Society of Psychiatry

ORCID digital identifier

ORCID ID: 0009-0008-8549-6768

Awards

• SAMS Award 'Interprofessionality' 2016: Wesch, C, Fierz, K, Siegemund M, Frei Irena Anna, Büchsenschütz, C. for the ANP project: Interprofessional development of an Advanced Practice Nurse role for the specific, evidence-based treatment and care of Chronically Critically Ill Patients in the Operative Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital Basel.
  SAMS
  09 / 2016
• Best of Journal of Nursing Scholarship Award in Profession and Society 2015 für den Artikel scientific misconduct: also an issue in nursing science?
  Journal of Nursing Scholarship
  08 / 2015

Media presence

• NZZ am Sonntag: If you want to cut costs, you have to invest in care. Guest article, 30.10.21
• NZZ am Sonntag: Switzerland finally needs a vision - we have collected a few. Partial article, 31.7.21
• Blick TV: Those who really save lives are the nurses: Interview, 13.11.21
• Impact, ZHAW dossier: Age should be seen as a resource. Interview, 22.3.2022
• SRF: Nursing care is ailing - but what is the right medicine? TV interview 6.11.21
• Tagesspiegel Background: The care worries of the Swiss, 26.11.21

Publications

Articles in scientific journal, peer-reviewed

• Huber, E., Hilpertshauser, M., Sgier, C., Stark, E., Fierz, K., Bächi, S., Fringer, A., & Preusse-Bleuler, B. (2026). Realization of a family systems care unit : a real-life laboratory for clinical practice, education, and research at a Swiss university of applied sciences. Journal of Family Nursing, 32(1), 44–59. https://doi.org/10.1177/10748407251411202
• Karabegovic, A., Indermaur, E., Santi, S., & Fierz, K. (2025). Prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and mental health disorders in the home care population : a systematic literature review. Journal of Community Health Nursing, 43(1), 22–48. https://doi.org/10.1080/07370016.2025.2564069
• Indermaur, E., Karabegovic, A., & Fierz, K. (2025). The prevalence and characteristics of mental health symptoms among home care recipients in Zurich, Switzerland : a descriptive cross-sectional study. Geriatric Nursing, 64(103388). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2025.103388
• Karabegovic, A., Indermaur, E., & Fierz, K. (2024). Die physische und psychische Gesundheit von Menschen mit häuslichem Pflegebedarf : eine quantitative Sekundärdatenanalyse. Pflege, 38(1), 33–41. https://doi.org/10.1024/1012-5302/a001008
• Künzler-Heule, P., Schmidt, A. J., Fierz, K., Battegay, M., Engberg, S., Kouyos, R. D., Nöstlinger, C., Stöckle, M., Béguelin, C., Delaloye, J., Schmid, P., Rougemont, M., Braun, D. L., Fehr, J. S., & Nicca, D. (2024). Exploring group differences in the response to a sexual risk reduction intervention to prevent hepatitis C virus reinfection in HIV-infected MSM : a mixed-methods study. AIDS Care, 36(4), 442–451. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540121.2023.2208318
• Stadtmann, M. P., Bischofberger, I., Balice-Bourgois, C., Bianchi, M., Burr, C., Fierz, K., de Goumoëns, V., Kocher, A., Kunz, S., Naef Brand, R., Bachmann, A. O., Schubert, M., Schwendimann, R., Simon, M., Waldboth, V., Zanon-Di Nardo, D., Nicca, D., & Zigan, N. (2024). Setting new priorities for nursing research : the updated Swiss Nursing Research Agenda : a systematic, participative approach. International Nursing Review, 71(3), 504–512. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12937
• Nortes, I., Fierz, K., Goddiksen, M. P., & Johansen, M. W. (2023). Academic integrity among nursing students : a survey of knowledge and behavior. Nursing Ethics, 31(4), 553–571. https://doi.org/10.1177/09697330231200568
• Carron, T., Domeisen Benedetti, F., Fringer, A., Fierz, K., & Peytremann-Bridevaux, I. (2023). Integrated care models in Swiss primary care : an embedded multiple case study. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 29(6), 1025–1038. https://doi.org/10.1111/jep.13891
• Weber, C., Fierz, K., Katapodi, M., & Hasemann, W. (2020). An advanced practice nurse‐led delirium consultation service reduces delirium severity and length of stay in orthopedic patients : a nonrandomized posttest only evaluation study. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 56(4), 804–810. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.12495
• Schwendimann, R., Fierz, K., Spichiger, E., Marcus, B., & De Geest, S. (2019). A master of nursing science curriculum revision for the 21st century : a progress report. BMC Medical Education, 19, 135–145. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-019-1588-9
• Künzler-Heule, P., Engberg, S., Battegay, M., Schmidt, A. J., Fierz, K., Nguyen, H., Kocher, A., Nöstlinger, C., Hampel, B., Stöckle, M., Béguelin, C., Delaloye, J., Schmid, P., Flepp, M., Rougement, M., Braun, D. L., Fehr, J., & Nicca, D. (2019). Screening HIV-positive men who have sex with men for hepatitis C re-infection risk : is a single question on condom-use enough? A sensitivity analysis. BMC Infectious Diseases, 19(821). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-019-4456-7

Other publications

• Zurkinden, J., Zigan, N., Fierz, K., & Harju, E. (2025). Menstrual distress and relationship satisfaction : a quantitative cross-sectional study. Swiss Public Health Conference (SPHC), Lugano, Switzerland, 10-11 September 2025. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-34697
• Wagner, I., Gresch, B., Preusse-Bleuler, B., Dubsky, P., & Fierz, K. (2024). Die zentrale Aufgabe der Pflege bei genetisch bedingten Krebserkrankungen. Onkologiepflege, 2024(3).
• Liberatore, F., & Fierz, K. (2024). Betriebsübergreifende Pools : die Lösung für kleinere Betriebe? Krankenpflege, 2024(1), 26–27.
• Wagner, I., Gresch, B., Preusse-Bleuler, B., Dubsky, P., & Fierz, K. (2023). Genetic Nurse : eine neue Rolle in der Beratung. Krankenpflege, 2023(9), 16–18. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-29890
• Fierz, K., & Händler-Schuster, D. (2023). Akademisierung und Professionalisierung. In D. Händler-Schuster & H. Budroni (eds.), Gemeinde- und Familiengesundheitspflege. Lehrbuch für die ambulante Pflege (pp. 33–42). Hogrefe. https://doi.org/10.1024/86098-000
• Stolz Baskett, P., Händler-Schuster, D., & Fierz, K. (2023). Internationalisierung von Master’s Curricula : Bildungsoffensive zur Entwicklung kultur-kompetenter Advanced Practitioners. NOVAcura, 54(3), 36–39. https://doi.org/10.1024/1662-9027/a000150

Publications before appointment at the ZHAW

• Fierz, K., Nicca, D. & Spirig, R., 2013. Perceived HIV symptom manageability: Synthesis of a new use for a known concept. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 69 (1), S. 229-241. IF:1.527.
• Fierz, K., Engberg, S., Nicca, D., Moody, K., Battegay, M., & Spirig, R., 2013. Symptom manageability in Swiss HIV-infected patients. Applied Nursing Research. 26, S. 110-115. IF: 1.28.
• Gisin, M., Poat, A., Fierz, K. & Frei, I. A., 2013. Women’s experiences of acupuncture during labour. British Journal of Midwifery. 21 (4), S. 254-262.
• Fierz, K., Gennaro, S., Dierickx K., Van Achterberg, T., Morin, K. H. & De Geest, S. for the editorial board of JNS., 2014. Scientific misconduct: Also an issue in nursing science? Journal of Nursing Scholarship. 46 (4), S. 1-10.
• Pretto, M., Frei, I. A., Friedrich, V., Fierz, K. & Suhm, N., 2014. Theoretical and practical considerations for the evaluation of complex interventions to improve the quality of care. Nursing Science. 16 (6), S. 354-362.
• Ausserhofer, D., Gehri, B., De Geest, S., Fierz, K. & Schwendimann, R., 2015. Quality and practice development in Swiss acute care hospitals through study results - A follow-up survey of nursing directors of RN4CAST hospitals. Nursing: the scientific journal for nursing professions. 28 (1), S. 49-56.
• Hirsbrunner, T., Denhaerynck, K., Fierz, K., Milisen, K. & Schwendimann, R., 2015. Nurse Staffing, Patient Turnover and Safety Climate and their Association with In-patient Falls and Injurious Falls on Medical Acute Care Units: A cross-sectional Study. Journal of Hospital Administration. 4 (3), S. 54-60.
• Leppla, L., De Geest, S., Fierz, K., Deschler-Baier, B. & Koller, A., 2015. An Oral care self-management support protocol (OrCaSS) to reduce oral mucositis in hospitalized patients with acute myeloid leukemia and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a randomized controlled pilot study. Supportive Care in Cancer. 24 (2), S. 773-782.
• De Geest, S., Henry, M., Mauthner, O. & Fierz, K., 2015. Advanced practice nurses: an innovation that could shake up the French healthcare system? Revue francophone internationale de recherche infirmière. 4752 (1), S. 193-195. editorial.
• Haldemann, E., Fierz, K. & Frei, I. A., 2016. Wanting and not being able - malnutrition management in medical clinics of a Swiss centre hospital: patients' experiences and perspectives. Nursing. 29, S. 115-123.
• Gresch, B., Kirsch, M., Fierz, K., Halter, J., Nair, G., Denhaerynck, K. & De Geest, S., 2017. Medication nonadherence to immunosuppressants after adult allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation - A multicentre cross-sectional study. Bone Marrow Transplantation. 52 (2), S. 304-306
• Stutte, K., Hahn, S., Fierz, K. & Zúñiga, F., 2017. Factors Associated with Aggressive Behavior Between Residents and Staff in Nursing Homes. Geriatric Nursing. 38 (5), S. 398-405.
• Blumenfeld Arens, O., Fierz, K. & Zúñiga, F., 2017. Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes: Do Special Care Units Make a Difference? A Secondary Data Analysis of the Swiss Nursing Homes Human Resources Project. Gerontology. 63 (2), S. 169-179.
• Leuenberger, D. L., Fierz, K., Hinck, A., Bodmer, D. & Hasemann, W., 2017. A Systematic Nurse-Led Approach to Withdrawal Risk Screening, Prevention and Treatment among Inpatients with an Alcohol Use Disorder in an Ear, Nose, Throat and Jaw Surgery Department – a Formative Evaluation. Applied Nursing Research. 33, S. 155-163
• Valenta, S., De Geest, S., Fierz, K., Beckmann, S., Halter, J., Schanz, U., Gayathri, N. & Kirsch, M., 2017. Perception of Late Effects among Long-Term Survivors after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Descriptive Analysis and Validation of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. A Sub-Study of the PROVIVO Study. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 27, S. 17-27.
• Naegele, M., Kirsch, M., Ihorst, G., Fierz, K., Engelhardt, M. & De Geest, S., 2017. Symptom experience of multiple myeloma (syMMex) patients treated with autologous stem cell transplantation following high-dose melphalan: a descriptive longitudinal study. Supportive Care in Cancer. 26 (3), S. 833-841.
• Vogel, B., De Geest, S., Fierz, K., Beckmann, S. & Zúñiga, F., 2017. Dementia care worker stress associations with unit type, resident, and work environment characteristics: a cross-sectional secondary data analysis of the Swiss Nursing Homes Human Resources Project (SHURP). International Psychogeriatrics. 29 (3), S. 441–454.

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