College of Nursing to host 13-state research conference

UNMC’s College of Nursing will host the 31st Midwest Nursing Research Society Conference March 23-26 at the Hilton Omaha and Qwest Center in Omaha.

The conference, which will highlight the latest in nursing research discoveries and trends, is expected to draw about 900 nursing professionals and students from a 13-state region.

Titled “Innovative Technology: Pioneering Pathways to Health,” the conference will include more than 350 research presentations, workshops, meetings, exhibits and a gala event and silent auction to raise funds for research grants.

A wide variety of research study results will be discussed, dealing with such topics as adolescent and women’s health, caregiving, genetics, end-of-life care, addiction and substance abuse, pain management and cultural competency.

Numerous nursing faculty members from UNMC also will present their research.

Sally Lusk, Ph.D.

Keynote speakers will include Patricia Flatley Brennan, Ph.D., of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who will discuss technology to improve health; and Carolyn Clancy, M.D., director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, who will discuss quality improvement in health care.

With a membership of 1,200, the society is the largest nursing research organization in the United States.

“We’re excited about meeting in Omaha this year and we expect excellent representation of nurse researchers and nursing students,” said Sally Lusk, Ph.D., president of the Midwest Nursing Research Society and professor emerita, School of Nursing, University of Michigan. “The annual conference is critical to our mission of advancing the scientific basis of nursing practice, which provides for high quality nursing care of patients, families and communities.”

Susan Noble Walker, Ed.D., professor, UNMC College of Nursing, said it’s prestigious for the college to host the conference.

Susan Noble Walker, Ed.D.

“We’re honored to be able to showcase UNMC, the college and Omaha,” said Dr. Noble Walker, who also is a member of the society’s board of directors. “The society has many achievements in research. Publishing research spreads the word about advances which ultimately helps improve the quality of life of our population. It also advocates for changes in health policy.”

The conference is open to members and non-members of the Midwest Nursing Research Society. Continuing nursing credits are available. For information on cost and registration, go to www.mnrs.org.