From the dean: Living out our commitment to whole-person care

Dear Friends,

These past few months have been a time of profound reflection and shared sorrow for our community following the tragic killing of Alex Pretti. Alex was a dedicated ICU nurse, a valued preceptor for our BSN students, and someone who embodied nursing’s blend of competence and compassion. Alex’s life echoed the very principles upon which our school was founded more than 115 years ago: recognizing the worth of human life, conserving health, and providing for social justice. And his light will continue to guide us as we work to bridge the gaps in our health care systems and our society.

A deep commitment to humanity and whole-person care radiate throughout this issue of Minnesota Nursing. Amidst challenges, the impactful work of School of Nursing faculty and staff, students, and alumni continues to address critical needs within our communities and health systems. Our cover story, Bridging the gap, highlights a transformative curriculum led by Associate Professor Kristine Talley that places our BSN students into transitional care units later in their undergraduate journey than is the norm. Shifting the focus from routine tasks to experiencing the holistic patient journey better prepares our graduates to lead with vision and empathy as they navigate the complexities of our aging population and health care.

A landmark $2.2 million grant from the Bedford Falls Foundation further empowers our vision of holistic care. This generous gift establishes the Conway Scholars program and Supporting Wellness and Academics in Nursing School (SWANS), ensuring our BSN students receive the support they need to thrive as the next generation of nursing leaders.

Our commitment extends to pushing the boundaries of research and advocacy. Clinical Assistant Professor Ryne Wilson’s study on the climate knowledge gap in cancer care, for instance, powerfully reminds us that our health is inseparable from the health of our planet. Our faculty are also shaping national policy, contributing to landmark reports on Native maternal health that aim to dismantle long-standing disparities.

Whether it is our nurse anesthesia program’s intentional focus on student wellbeing or alumni like Johanna Gaskins, DNP ’16, who are redefining nursing leadership to address burnout, the stories in these pages reflect an unwavering commitment to equity, excellence and the wellbeing of all.

Your insights and feedback are essential as we continue to co-create the future of nursing education and practice. Thank you for your continued readership and vital partnership in this journey.

In gratitude, 

Connie White Delaney
Professor and Dean