Exploring leadership, innovation in integrative nursing

Nearly 300 nurses and health professionals from 15 countries gathered in Ireland at the Third International Integrative Nursing Symposium in May.

Convened by the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing, the University of Minnesota School of Nursing and the University of Arizona College of Nursing, the symposium explored the theme of Leadership and Innovation in Integrative Nursing.

“Integrative nursing is an emerging focus of practice that is impacting nursing care worldwide across clinical settings and patient populations,” said Mary Jo Kreitzer, PhD, RN, FAAN, director of the Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing, professor in the School of Nursing, and co-coordinator of the Doctor of Nursing Practice integrative health and healing specialty. “It is an exciting area of knowledge development that is completely aligned with the School of Nursing’s mission to generate knowledge and prepare nurse leaders who will improve the health and wellbeing of people and systems of care worldwide.”

An international cohort of keynote and plenary presenters covered topics that included person-centered care, the impact of integrative nursing on patient outcomes, integrative nursing research and leadership. An Irish nurse leader, Geraldine Murray, gave a presentation about the life and legacy of Irish nursing leader Peta Taaffe, who led many reforms in Ireland that transformed the profession. “It was a great honor to have Peta Taaffe in attendance, as well as other nurse leaders from across Ireland,” said Kreitzer.

Many School of Nursing faculty led presentations and workshops during the symposium. In addition, faculty and alumni of the DNP program served on the Symposium Steering Committee.

“The most impactful aspect of the symposium was seeing how well represented Minnesota and the University of Minnesota were,” said Megan Voss, DNP, RN, integrative therapy program director for Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant at the University’s Masonic Children’s Hospital and assistant professor at the Bakken Center. “Our graduates are truly leading the charge.”

The Fourth International Nursing Symposium will be held in the United States in 2021. For more information, visit integrativenursingsymposium.com.