From the dean: An unwavering commitment

Dear Friends,

This issue of Minnesota Nursing magazine reflects the unwavering commitment that defines our School of Nursing community. While changes and disruptions surround us in higher education, health care, nursing, and society, I am struck by how the faculty, staff, students and alumni of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing remain steadfast in pursuing our mission and vision. Their unwavering commitment to the health of individuals, families and communities radiates powerfully in the stories that follow.

Our cover story highlights creative initiatives designed to broaden our students’ perspectives of the nursing profession and address the nursing shortage, particularly in rural communities. The article showcases a new immersion experience for pre-licensure students through our collaboration with Essentia Health, introducing students firsthand to nursing practices in critical access hospitals. Additionally, the Center for Nursing Equity and Excellence at the University of Minnesota is pioneering the Pre-Licensure Nursing Apprenticeship Model, a pilot program providing students with practical experience, financial assistance and a direct pathway to employment.

Our featured research demonstrates a similar dedication to community wellbeing locally and globally. From addressing type 2 diabetes in Minnesota and disrupting human trafficking to examining the longitudinal health outcomes of refugees post-resettlement, nursing science continues to make invaluable contributions across the lifespan. This issue also explores intriguing research into how young people use TikTok as a source of sexual and reproductive health information.

As always, the inspiring stories of our remarkable students and alumni are among my favorite sections. This issue captures the extraordinary impact of our nurse leaders, locally and globally. Highlights include PhD student Amanda Davis and her work illuminating the role of community health workers; Brian Quinn, a BSN alumnus and current DNP student, who was recently elected mayor of Lake City, Minnesota; and DNP nurse-midwifery student Anna Freeman, who joined the school after serving with Doctors Without Borders to expand her potential for improving maternal health worldwide. These stories of our students and alumni bring me great joy, hope and inspiration, and I trust they will do the same for you.

We warmly invite your thoughts, feedback and stories — your voice is essential to shaping the future of our school and this magazine. Thank you sincerely for your continued engagement and support.

In gratitude, 

Connie White Delaney
Professor and Dean