Moss inducted into NAM

Professor and Associate Dean for Nursing and Health Policy Margaret Moss, PhD, JD, RN, FAAN, an enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes, was inducted into the National Academy of Medicine. It is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. Moss is the second female American Indian to become a member. The academy cites her exemplary leadership in nursing, law and Indigenous health inequities as the only American Indian nurse with a PhD and JD.

University of Minnesota cohosts MNRS conference

The University of Minnesota School of Nursing is cohosting the 48th annual Midwest Nursing Research Society Conference in Minneapolis on Feb. 28-March 2. Additional cohosts include Mayo Clinic, Winona State University, Minnesota State University Mankato and the University of St. Thomas. The conference will be focused on Nursing Research in the Future: Exploring the Driving Forces.

School prepares to celebrate 115th

The University of Minnesota School of Nursing will be celebrating its 115th anniversary in 2024. As part of the celebrations the book Igniting Transformational Change: The University of Minnesota School of Nursing Journey will be published. It is authored by Joanne Disch, Mary Jo Kreitzer, Marie Manthey, Kevin Johnson, Laurie Glass and Connie White Delaney. It shares insights into the school’s transformative journey, particularly its past 20 years, and provide recommendations to schools experiencing challenges. This book is to inform and inspire change by inviting readers to reflect on the key cultural priorities and transformative practices of the school.

4 faculty earn promotions

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved the promotions of four faculty in the School of Nursing. Niloufar Hadidi, PhD, APRN, CNS-BC, FAHA, was promoted to professor. Ryan Mays, PhD, MPH, FAHA, FSVM, was promoted to associate professor with tenure. Eunice Areba PhD, RN, PHN, was promoted to clinical associate professor. Stephanie Delkoski, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, was promoted to clinical associate professor.

For 8th year, school recognized for excellence in diversity

For the eighth consecutive year, the University of Minnesota School of Nursing received the Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine. The school was one of only 15 nursing schools to receive the HEED Award, which honors health schools and centers that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The School of Nursing’s 2022-2023 transfer cohort was majority BIPOC and a mentoring program was expanded to deepen connections with the program, increase peer/student relationships, and help the school better understand the needs of transfer students. Student support staff and services were also increased including a full-time staff member to support Native American/Alaska Native nurses applying to and enrolled in the school’s doctoral programs.

In the past year the school reviewed and revamped the curriculum to deeply embed diversity, equity, social justice and recognition of implicit bias and racism throughout the undergrad and graduate programs. 

Austin receives ANA Innovation Award

Assistant Professor Robin Austin, PhD, DNP, DC, RN-BC, FAMIA, FNAP, was named the recipient of the Individual Nurse Award by the American Nurses Association and the American Nurses Foundation. The 2023 ANA Innovation Awards celebrate nurse innovators who improve patient safety and health outcomes.

Austin is the nurse and creative mind behind the app MyStrengths + MyHealth: A Comprehensive Whole-Person Health & Resilience Assessment. “The award will allow us to make updates to the application and potentially redesign features that will enhance end-user functionality and experience,” says Austin.

Outstanding preceptors recognized at ceremony

The school recognized the 2022-2023 outstanding preceptors at a ceremony in September. Those interested in working with graduate nursing students as a preceptor can learn more at z.umn.edu/preceptors.

Carol Droegemueller was honored for being an adult health/gerontological clinical nurse specialist preceptor at Regions Hospital.

Sarah Watkins Lee was honored for being an adult health/gerontological primary care nurse practitioner preceptor at Meadow Woods Martin Luther Care Center.

Dan Brooks was honored for being a family nurse practitioner preceptor at M Health Nurse Practitioner’s Clinic.

Paul West was honored for being a health innovation and leadership preceptor at Project Drawdown.

Kristen Guilmette was honored for being an integrative health and healing preceptor at Harvard, Boston Children’s Hospital.

Anna Dittmann was honored for being a nurse anesthesia preceptor at United Hospital.

Maria Wolff was honored for being a nurse-midwifery preceptor at Health Partners.

Shannon Bakshian was honored for being a nursing informatics preceptor at Planned Parenthood.

Alexandra Staum was honored for being a pediatric nurse practitioner preceptor at Fairview Woodwinds.

Heidi Shafland was honored for being a pediatric clinical nurse specialist preceptor at Children’s Minnesota.

Karalee LaBreche was honored for being a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner preceptor at Allina Health.

Emily Kratochwill was honored for being a women’s health/gender-related nurse practitioner preceptor at Planned Parenthood.