Event celebrates excellence in research, recognizes new leadership
The Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) today honored four faculty and students from The Ohio State University College of Nursing with awards for excellence in service and research while also recognizing two additional faculty taking on new leadership positions within the organization.
Ohio State’s College of Nursing was well-represented at MNRS’ 46th Annual Research Conference in Schaumburg, Illinois (western suburb of Chicago). Nearly 30 presentations and posters from the college covered relevant and urgent topics across the life-span, from pre-term infants to older adults living with dementia. Several of the presentations aligned directly with the conference’s desired learner outcomes, which included:
- Explore diversity to foster equity, inclusion, and belonging through nursing research, practice and scholarship
- Discuss integrating patient and community engagement strategies to ensure a collaborative approach to nursing research and practice
- Investigate the spectrum of structural racism affecting patients, families, care providers, and communities and develop solutions to improve patient outcomes and provider relationships
- Ensure delivery of culturally sensitive and relevant Care Delivery Models acknowledging accessibility, desirability, and affordability
Several Ohio State faculty and staff were also honored at a special awards ceremony tonight, including:
- Cindy Anderson, senior associate dean for academic affairs and educational innovation, received the Distinguished Service Award for demonstrating dedicated service and commitment to the development of the organization and its members. This service has been demonstrated through donated time, influential leadership and sustained service to MNRS. Anderson is the immediate past president of MNRS.
- Christine Fortney, assistant professor, received the Outstanding Publication Award – Symptom Science RIIG and the Outstanding Publication Award – Palliative and End of Life Care RIIG awards for “Bereaved parents’ perceptions of infant suffering in the NICU,” published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.
- Monicah Karera, who is mentored by faculty member Shannon Gillespie, received the Undergraduate Research Award through the Perinatal, Sexual & Reproductive Health RIIG.
- Laura Beth Kalvas won the Abstract of Distinction award for “Sleep Disruption and Delirium in Critically Ill Children.”
- Sharon Tucker, Grayce Sills Endowed Professor in psychiatric-mental health nursing and director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Executive track, was named president-elect of MNRS.
- Karen O. Moss, assistant professor, was appointed as a member of the MNRS Nominating Committee.
“We feel very strongly that the science we pursue, the knowledge we share and the leadership we provide are all critical elements in transforming health and improving lives across the globe,” said Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, vice president for health promotion, university chief wellness officer and dean of the College of Nursing. “I am so proud of each and every one of our students and faculty who are sharing their expertise at MNRS and who are acquiring knowledge and insights from their colleagues as they continue dreaming, discovering and delivering a healthier world and a brighter future for all.”
