Nursing Research Day focuses on improving health outcomes

The vital role nursing science plays in promoting health was the focus of Nursing Research Day, which was held April 11 at McNamara Alumni Center and virtually. This year’s theme was Bridging the Gap: Empowering Innovative Nursing Research, Education and Policy for Better Health Outcomes.

In opening the day’s presentation, Dean Connie White Delaney, PhD, RN, FAAN, FACMI, FNAP, addressed the vital role of nursing science as its future and funding face challenges.

“It is only in standing and working together that we can make the profound impact of nursing research on the health of the people – individuals, families, communities, our planet – and make that impact understood by those who control the funding,” said White Delaney.

Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, MPH, LCSW, RN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, who serves as executive director of the Institute for Policy Solutions and the Leona B. Carpenter Chair in Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health at the Johns Hopkins, delivered the keynote Nursing Science’s Role in Redesigning the U.S. Broken Health System and Ending Unequal Treatment.

“Our fundamental truth as health care professionals – as nurses – is that we exist to protect and promote the overall health and wellbeing of our nation,” said Guilamo-Ramos.

He connected this truth to the vital role nursing science plays in health care and eliminating health inequities.

“Peer-reviewed, rigorous nursing science matters for how the nursing profession should be leading. We should not be ignoring data and what that means for people in their lives,” said Guilamo-Ramos.

Drawing on landmark publications like Ending Unequal Treatment, a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine study on health inequities he participated in, Guilamo-Ramos grounded his presentation in both historical and present contexts, incorporating analysis of recent funding cuts, challenges to health care access and rising health care costs among other factors.

Throughout the day, faculty, students and community members participated in breakout presentations and discussed research posters that showcased findings from innovative research and evidence-based projects.

The 2026 Nursing Research Day will be held April 17, 2026.