This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony on Nov. 14 for UNMC’s Scientist Laureate, Research Leadership, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator Award recipients.
New Investigator
The New Investigator Award is given to outstanding UNMC scientists who in the past two years have secured their first funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense or other national sources. New investigators also had to demonstrate scholarly activity, such as publishing their research and/or presenting their findings at national conventions.
- Name: Breanna Hetland, PhD
- Title: Assistant professor, UNMC College of Nursing
- Joined UNMC: 2017
- Hometown: Bartonville, Illinois
Describe your research focus in three words or less:
ICU family engagement
Why is research important in the world today?
Nursing research is crucial today, as it addresses health care distrust while driving evidence-based practice. With nursing consistently ranked as the most trusted profession, nurse scientists bridge the gap between scientific advancements and public perception. Our work improves patient outcomes, develops innovative care strategies for emerging health challenges and informs health policy decisions. Ultimately, we play a key role in building confidence in health care systems and driving positive change in patient care.
My research will make a difference because:
I believe deeply in the power of human connection and that family caregivers are valuable contributors to care. My research will make a difference because it modernizes health care by moving families from the periphery to the center of the health care team. This shift can reduce social isolation, improve care quality and safety, increase satisfaction and decrease costs. By developing tools to transform passive family participation into active contributions, we can create a more inclusive, effective and compassionate critical care environment. Ultimately, my research paves the way for a paradigm shift in health care, weaving the threads of love and clinical support into the fabric of whole person healing.
The best advice I’ve ever received is:
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” – Master Oogway from the movie Kung Fu Panda
Three things you may not know about me:
- In eighth grade, I won a state medal in the discus throw. Prior to that spring, I didn’t even know what a discus was. I like to embrace a good challenge.
- I was hospitalized as a child and got to paint as part of my recovery. My artwork was chosen as a permanent feature at the hospital.
- I met my husband for the first time at the Minneapolis airport. We got married 22 months later. We’re a real life rom-com.
Congratulations, Dr. Hetland!
Congratulations! And embrace being a female founder, you earned it!