Dr. Steven Tsokuang Wu | Translate and Validity of Scale | Best Researcher Award

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University | Taiwan

Steven Tso-Kuang Wu, is a distinguished nursing leader and educator based in Taipei, Taiwan. Currently serving as Head Nurse at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, he has dedicated more than two decades to advancing perioperative nursing care, surgical team efficiency, and patient safety. With extensive clinical, administrative, and academic experience, Wu has played a pivotal role in integrating evidence-based practice into surgical nursing workflows, emphasizing quality improvement and staff development. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to mentorship, interprofessional collaboration, and innovative problem-solving. Wu has also contributed significantly to nursing education as a lecturer at several leading universities, including Taipei Medical University and National Yang-Ming University, shaping the next generation of nurses with a strong foundation in both theory and practice. Internationally engaged, he serves as Regional Faculty and Mentor for the AO Foundation, supporting surgical training initiatives across Asia. His research focuses on psychometric scale development, workload assessment, and the improvement of perioperative nursing environments. Recognized with multiple honors, including the Excellent Head Nurse Award and Best Oral Presentation at WANS, Wu continues to bridge clinical expertise and academic scholarship, contributing to global nursing knowledge while advancing patient outcomes.

Professional Profile

• Orcid

Education

Steven Tso-Kuang Wu’s educational journey reflects a consistent pursuit of nursing excellence and scholarly advancement. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Fu Jen Catholic University in Taipei in , laying the groundwork for his clinical expertise and professional growth. Driven by a desire to deepen his knowledge, Wu completed a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at National Yang-Ming University in 2008, where he developed advanced clinical competencies and engaged in nursing research. Recognizing the importance of bridging research with practice, he pursued doctoral studies in Nursing Science at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, where he is currently a PhD candidate, expected to graduate in August. His doctoral work focuses on psychometric scale validation and the measurement of job embeddedness in perioperative nursing contexts, integrating quantitative research with real-world clinical applications. Wu’s education has been complemented by specialized certifications, notably as a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) in Taiwan, as well as training in the AO Educators Seminar for Operating Room Personnel. This blend of academic rigor and specialized training equips him to lead initiatives that advance surgical nursing practice, improve patient care processes, and mentor healthcare professionals at all levels.

Experience

Steven Tso-Kuang Wu has cultivated a rich and varied career in nursing leadership, clinical practice, and education. He began as a Registered Nurse at Taipei Veterans General Hospital in, building foundational experience in perioperative care. Over the years, his skills and leadership qualities propelled him to progressively senior positions: Professional Nurse  Assistant Head Nurse, and ultimately Head Nurse . In his current role, Wu oversees surgical nursing operations, leads quality improvement projects, and mentors staff in best practices for patient safety and surgical efficiency. His responsibilities include staff training, workflow optimization, and implementation of evidence-based protocols. Parallel to his hospital duties, Wu has been deeply involved in academia, serving as Lecturer at Taipei Medical University, National Taipei University of Nursing & Health Sciences, and National Yang-Ming University, where he contributed to curriculum design and student mentorship from to. Since he has also been Regional Faculty and Mentor for the AO Foundation, promoting advanced surgical education throughout Asia. His international exposure includes a perioperative nursing internship at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in the United States, where he expanded his expertise in global best practices. Wu’s career reflects a balance of leadership, education, and frontline nursing excellence.

Research Focus

Steven Tso-Kuang Wu’s research interests are anchored in improving perioperative nursing practice through the development and validation of psychometric measurement tools. His work emphasizes the assessment of job embeddedness, workload, and team dynamics within surgical settings, recognizing that these factors significantly influence nurse retention, job satisfaction, and patient safety. Wu’s doctoral research centers on creating culturally relevant, reliable, and valid instruments for the Chinese perioperative context, ensuring that measurement tools accurately reflect local work environments. Beyond psychometrics, he investigates interventions to enhance surgical team communication, optimize workflow, and prevent complications such as pressure ulcers during lengthy operations. His research integrates quantitative and qualitative methodologies, bridging statistical rigor with clinical relevance. Wu’s participation in international collaborations, such as his role with the AO Foundation, informs his comparative approach, enabling the adaptation of global best practices to Taiwanese healthcare. He also explores the application of Lean principles in operating room sterilization processes, aiming to increase efficiency without compromising safety. Through presentations at prestigious conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals, Wu contributes evidence that informs nursing policies, education, and practice guidelines, ultimately striving to improve surgical outcomes and support sustainable nursing workforce development.

Awards and Honors

Steven Tso-Kuang Wu’s professional excellence has been recognized through numerous awards and honors that underscore his leadership, teaching, and research contributions. In , he received the Excellent Head Nurse Award from the Veterans Affairs Council, affirming his exemplary management of surgical nursing teams and dedication to high-quality patient care. That same year, his research on psychometric evaluation earned him distinction within academic circles. In, Wu won the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 8th World Academy of Nursing Science (WANS) conference, where he presented innovative findings on the development and validation of the Perioperative Nurses’ Workload Scale. Earlier, in, he was honored with the Excellent Head Nurse Award from Taipei Veterans General Hospital for sustained excellence in leadership and operational improvements. His commitment to scholarly contribution was recognized in  when he received the Nursing Research Paper Award from the Veterans Affairs Council, highlighting his impactful work on perioperative nursing interventions. In addition to formal awards, Wu has been invited to present at international conferences, such as the University of Tokyo Nursing International Conference and the AORN Expo, reflecting his influence in both academic and clinical settings. Collectively, these honors reflect his dual strength as a leader and researcher.

Publication Top Notes

The Job Embeddedness Scale: A Test of Its Reliability and Validity in Chinese Perioperative Settings

Year 2025

Effects of Using a High-Density Foam Pad Versus a Viscoelastic Polymer Pad on the Incidence of Pressure Ulcer Development During Spinal Surgery

Year 2025

Conclusion

Steven Tso-Kuang Wu’s impressive clinical and academic background, research productivity, leadership, and international exposure make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His awards and recognition in the field further demonstrate his expertise. With some additional focus on expanding his publication record, securing research funding, and highlighting collaborations, Wu’s application would be even stronger. Overall, he is a suitable candidate for the award.