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Home — College of Nursing — About Us — Our People — Our Faculty — Susan Barnason, PhD, RN, APRN-CNS, CEN, CCRN, FAEN, FAHA, FAAN

Susan Barnason, PhD, RN, APRN-CNS, CEN, CCRN, FAEN, FAHA, FAAN

Christine Heide Sorensen Professor in Nursing
Professor, UNMC College of Nursing

402-472-7359

Dr. Barnason is professor at the College of Nursing and received her diploma in nursing from Lincoln General School of Nursing. She completed both her BSN and MSN at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Nursing. Dr. Barnason received a PhD at the University of Nebraska--Lincoln. She has clinical expertise in Emergency and Critical Care Nursing and experience as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Dr. Barnason joined the faculty full-time in 1998. She currently teaches in the graduate Adult-Gerontology masters and doctorate of nursing practice programs.
Education
  • 1980, BSN, UNMC
  • 1982, MA, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • 1985, MSN, UNMC
  • 1992, PhD, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Research Interests
  • Maximizing Outcomes Needed After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Using Weight Management (MOMENTUM)
  • Nursing Education, Practice, Quality and Retention Program
  • Early recovery and transition of care for cardiac patient after acute events
  • Symptom Management following cardiac revascularization
  • Secondary Risk Factor prevention after cardiac revascularization
  • Transition of care after hospitalization for acute cardiac events
  • Symptom Management Intervention in Elderly CABG Patients
Grant Support
  • July 2023-June 2025 Title: Reducing Disease Burden after Acute Exacerbation Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (REBOUND), Award Amount: $119,322, Role: Barnason, S (P.I.)
  • July 2013-June 2016 Title: Advancing Rural Emergency and Acute Care (AREA) Program for Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs), Award Amount: $768,825,  Role: Morris, K (P.I.), Barnason, S (Co-investigator)
Publications
  • Schuelke, S., & Barnason, S. (2017). Interventions Used by Nurse Preceptors to Develop Critical Thinking of New Graduate Nurses. Journal For Nurses In Professional Development, 33(1), E1-E7. doi:10.1097/NND.0000000000000318
  • Smith, G. D., Gelling, L., Haigh, C., Barnason, S., Allan, H., & Jackson, D. (2017). The position of reporting guidelines in qualitative nursing research. Journal Of Clinical Nursing, doi:10.1111/jocn.14213
  • DeVon, H. A., Vuckovic, K., Ryan, C. J., Barnason, S., Zerwic, J. J., Pozehl, B., & ... Zimmerman, L. (2017). Systematic review of symptom clusters in cardiovascular disease. European Journal Of Cardiovascular Nursing: Journal Of The Working Group On Cardiovascular Nursing Of The European Society Of Cardiology, 16(1), 6-17. doi:10.1177/1474515116642594
  • Young, L., Hertzog, M., & Barnason, S. (2017). Feasibility of Using Accelerometer Measurements to Assess Habitual Physical Activity in Rural Heart Failure Patients. Geriatrics, 2(3), 23. MDPI AG. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics2030023
  • Eisenhauer, C. M., Hageman, P. A., Rowland, S., Becker, B. J., Barnason, S. A., & Pullen, C. H. (2017). Acceptability of mHealth Technology for Self-Monitoring Eating and Activity among Rural Men. Public Health Nursing (Boston, Mass.), 34(2), 138-146. doi:10.1111/phn.12297
  • Barnason, S., White-Williams, C., Rossi, L. P., Centeno, M., Crabbe, D. L., Lee, K. S., & ... Wood, K. (2017). Evidence for Therapeutic Patient Education Interventions to Promote Cardiovascular Patient Self-Management: A Scientific Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association. Circulation. Cardiovascular Quality And Outcomes, 10(6), doi:10.1161/HCQ.0000000000000025
  • Young, L., Kupzyk, K., & Barnason, S. (2017). The Impact of Self-management Knowledge and Support on the Relationships Among Self-efficacy, Patient Activation, and Self-management in Rural Patients With Heart Failure. The Journal Of Cardiovascular Nursing, 32(4), E1-E8. doi:10.1097/JCN.0000000000000390
  • Smith, G. D., Gelling, L., Haigh, C., Barnason, S., Allan, H., Penny, K., & Jackson, D. (2017). Transparency in the reporting of nursing research. Journal Of Clinical Nursing, doi:10.1111/jocn.14212
  • Schuelke, S., & Barnason, S. (2017). Interventions Used by Nurse Preceptors to Develop Critical Thinking of New Graduate Nurses. Journal For Nurses In Professional Development, 33(1), E1-E7. doi:10.1097/NND.0000000000000318
  • Burbach, B. E., Thompson, S. A., Barnason, S. A., Wilhelm, S. L., Kotcherlakota, S., Miller, C. L., & Paulman, P. M. (2016). Student-Perceived Influences on Performance During Simulation. The Journal Of Nursing Education, 55(7), 396-398. doi:10.3928/01484834-20160615-07
  • Liebl L, Barnason S, Brage Hudson D. Awakening: a qualitative study on maintaining weight loss after bariatric surgery. Journal Of Clinical Nursing [serial online]. April 2016;25(7/8):951-961.
  • Albert, N. M., Barnason, S., Deswal, A., Hernandez, A., Kociol, R., Lee, E., et al. (2015, January 20). Transitions of care in heart failure: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. Heart Failure, Advance online publication. doi: 10.1161/HHF.0000000000000006
  • Young, L., Barnason, S., Hays, K., & Do, V. (2015). Nurse Practitioner Led Medication Reconciliation in Critical Access Hospitals. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners. 11 (5), 511-518. doi: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2015.03.005
  • Young, L., Barnason, S., & Do, V. (2015). Promoting self-management through adherence among heart failure patients discharged from rural hospitals: A study protocol. F1000Research, 3, 317. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.5998.2
  • Burbach, B. E., Thompson, S. A., Barnason, S. (2015). Using “Think Aloud” to capture clinical reasoning during patient simulation. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship, 12(1), 1-7.
  • Do V, Young L, Barnason S and Tran H. (2015). Relationships between activation level, knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-management behavior in heart failure patients discharged from rural hospitals F1000Research, 4, 150. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.6557.1
  • Young, L., & Barnason, S. (2014). Older patients' perception and experience with lifestyle changes following cardiac revascularization. American Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(1), 30-38.
  • Peterson, M. H., Barnason, S., Donnelly, B., Hill, K., Miley, H., Riggs, L., & Whiteman, K. (2014). Choosing the best evidence to guide clinical practice: Application of AACN levels of evidence. Critical Care Nurse, 34(2), 58-68. doi:10.4037/ccn2014411
  • Macken, L. C., Yates, B. C., Meza, J., Norman, J., Barnason, S., & Pozehl, B. (2014). Health-related quality-of-life outcomes in coronary artery bypass surgery patients and partners. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, 34(2), 130-137. doi:10.1097/HCR.0b013e3182a528ba
  • Barnason, S., Steinke, E., Mosack, V., & Wright, D. W. (2013). Exploring nurses' perceptions of providing sexual health counseling for patients with cardiac disease: Implications for evidence-based interventions. Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing: DCCN, 32(4), 191-198. doi:10.1097/DCC.0b013e31829980d1
  • Steinke, E. E., Jaarsma, T., Barnason, S. A., Byrne, M., Doherty, S., Dougherty, C. M., . . . Moser, D. K. (2013). Sexual counseling for individuals with cardiovascular disease and their partners: A consensus document from the American Heart Association and the ESC Council on Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions (CCNAP). Circulation, 128(18), 2075-2096. doi:10.1161/CIR.0b013e31829c2e53
  • Steinke, E. E., Jaarsma, T., Barnason, S. A., Byrne, M., Doherty, S., Dougherty, C. M.,  Moser, D. K. (2013). Sexual counseling for individuals with cardiovascular disease and their partners: A consensus document from the American Heart Association and the ESC Council on Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions (CCNAP). European Heart Journal, 34(41):3217-35. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/eht270
  • Macken, L. C., Yates, B. C., Meza, J., Norman, J., Barnason, S., & Pozehl, B. (2013). Health-related quality-of-life outcomes in coronary artery bypass surgery patients and partners. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, 34(2):130-137. doi:10.1097/HCR.0b013e3182a528ba
  • Barnason, S., Zimmerman, L., & Young, L. (2012). An integrative review of interventions promoting self-care of patients with heart failure. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(3), 448-475. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03907.x
  • Barnason, S., Zimmerman, L., Nieveen, J., Schulz, P., Young, L. (2012). Patient recovery and transitions after hospitalization for acute cardiac events: An integrative review. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing 27(2), 175-191. doi: 10.1097/JCN.0b013e318239f5f5.
  • Young, L., Zimmerman, L., Pozehl, B., Barnason, S., & Wang, H. (2012). Cost-effectiveness of a symptom management intervention: Improving physical activity in older women following coronary artery bypass surgery. Nursing Economic$, 30(2), 94-103.
  • Zimmerman, L., Barnason, S., Schulz, P., Nieveen, J., & Tu, C. (2012). Rural versus urban comparison: Physical activity and functioning following coronary artery bypass surgery. Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care, 12(1), Spring, 16-28.
  • McCabe, P.J. & Barnason, S. (2012). Illness perceptions, coping strategies and symptoms contribute to psychological distress in patients with recurrent symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 27(5),431-444.
  • Storer, A., Lindauer, C., Proehl, J., Barnason, S., Brim, C., Crowley, M., Leviner, S., Naccarato, M., and Williams. J. (2012). Emergency nursing resource: Wound preparation. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 38(5), 443-446.
  • Naccarato, M., Leviner, S., Proehl, J., Barnason, S., Brim, C., Crowley, M., Lindauer, C., and Storer, A. (2012). Emergency nursing resource: Orthostatic vital signs. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 38(5), 447-453.
  • Barnason, S., Williams, J., Proehl, J., Brim, C., Crowley, M., Leviner, S., Lindauer, C., Naccarato, M., and Storer, A. (2012) Emergency nursing resource: Non-invasive temperature measurement in the emergency department. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 38(5), 443-446.
  • McCabe, P., J., Schumacher, K., & Barnason, S. (2011). Living with atrial fibrillation: A qualitative study. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 26(4), 336-344.
  • McCabe, P., J., Barnason, S., A., & Houfek, J. (2011). Illness beliefs in patients with recurrent symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology, 34(7), 810-820. doi:10.1111/j.1540-8159.2011.03105.x
  • Steinke, E. E., Barnason, S., Mosack, V., & Wright, D. W. (2011). Changes in myocardial infarction-specific sexual counseling by cardiac nurses. Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing: DCCN, 30(6), 331-338.
  • Schulz, P., Lottman, D. J., Barkmeier, T. L., Zimmerman, L., Barnason, S., & Hertzog, M. (2011). Medications and associated symptoms/problems after coronary artery bypass surgery. Heart & Lung: The Journal of Critical Care, 40(2), 130-138.
  • Barnason, S., & Morris, K. (2011). Health care in rural hospitals: A role for nurse practitioners. Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal, 33(2), 145-154.
  • Zimmerman, L., Barnason, S., Hertzog, M., Young, L., Nieveen, J., Schulz, P. and Tu, C. (2011). Gender Differences in Recovery Outcomes After an Early Recovery Symptom Management Intervention. Heart & Lung, 40(5), 429-439.
  • Barnason, S., Steinke, E., Mosack, V. and Wright, D. (2011) Comparison of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Acute Care Nurses’ Perceptions of Providing Sexual Counseling for Cardiac Patients. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, 31(3),157-163.
  • Steinke, E., Mosack, V., Barnason, S., & Wright, D. (2011). Progress in sexual counseling by cardiac nurses, 1994 to 2009. Heart & Lung: The Journal Of Critical Care, 40(3), e15-e24.
  • Schulz, P., Zimmerman, L., Pozehl, B., Barnason, S., Nieveen, J. (2011). Symptom management strategies used by elderly patients following coronary artery bypass surgery. Accepted for publication in Applied Nursing Research, 24, 65-73.
  • Steinke, E., Mosack, V., Barnason, S. and Wright, D. (2011) Progress in Sexual Counseling by Cardiac Nurses, 1994-2009. Heart & Lung, 40(3), e15-e24.
  • Chan, G., Barnason, S., Gillespie, G., Kaminenski, M.C., Stapleton, S., Williams, J., Juarez, A. and Li, S. (2011). Barriers and perceived needs for understanding and using research among Emergency Nurses. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 37(1), 24-31.
  • Barnason, S., Zimmerman, L., Hertzog, M., Schulz, P. (2010). Pilot testing of a hospital discharge transition medication intervention among heart failure patients. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 32 (7), 849-870.
  • Abbott, A.A., Barnason, S., & Zimmerman, L. (2010). Symptom Burden Clusters and Their Impact on Psychosocial Functioning following Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 25(4), 301-310.
  • Zimmerman, L., Barnason, S., Young, L., Tu, C., Schulz, P., and Abbott A. (2010). Symptom Profiles of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Patients at Risk for Poor Functioning Outcomes. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 25 (4), 292-300.
  • Barnason, S., Zimmerman, L., Schulz, P., and Tu, C. (2009). Influence of an Early Recovery Telehealth Intervention on Physical Activity and Functioning following Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABS) among Older Adults with High Disease Burden. Heart & Lung, 38 (6), 459-468.
  • Barnason, S., Zimmerman, L., Nieveen, J., Schulz, P., Miller, C., Hertzog, M., and Tu, C. (2009). Influence of a Symptom Management Telehealth Intervention on Older Adults’ Early Recovery Outcomes following Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABS). Heart & Lung, 38 (5), 364-376.
  • Barnason, S., Zimmerman, Nieveen, J., Schulz, P., Miller, C., Hertzog, M. & Rasmussen, D. (2008). The Relationships between Fatigue and Early Postoperative Recovery Outcomes over Time in Elderly Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery Patients. Heart & Lung, 37 (4), 245-256.
  • Nieveen, J., Zimmerman, L., Barnason, S., & Yates, B. (2008). Development and Content Validity Testing of the Cardiac Symptom Survey in Postoperative Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients. Heart & Lung, 37 (1), 7-27.
  • Barnason, S., Zimmerman, L., Nieveen, J., Schulz, P., Hertzog, M., Miller, C., & Rasmussen, D. (2007). Usefulness of RISKO Heart Hazard Appraisal to Quantify CAD Risk Factor Burden on the Preoperative Functioning of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery Patients. Progress in Cardiovascular Nursing, 22 (2), 81-87 .
  • Barnason, S., Zimmerman, L., Nieveen, J., & Hertzog, M. (2006). Impact of a telehealth intervention to augment home health care on functional and recovery outcomes of elderly coronary artery bypass graft patients. Heart & Lung, 35 (4), 225-233.
  • Barnason, S., Zimmerman, L., Brey, B., Catlin, S. & Nieveen, J. (2006). Patterns of recovery following percutaneous coronary intervention: A pilot study. Applied Nursing Research, 19, 31-37.
  • Schulz, P., Zimmerman, L., Barnason, S. & Nieveen, J. (2005). Gender differences in recovery after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Progress in Cardiovascular Nursing, 20(2), 58-64.
  • Zimmerman, L., Barnason, S., Nieveen, J., & Schmaderer, M. (2004). Symptom Management Intervention in Elderly Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients. Outcomes Management, 8 (1), 5-12.
  • Zimmerman, L., Barnason, S., Nieveen, J., & Schmaderer, M. (2004). Symptom Management Intervention in Elderly Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients. (1), 5-12.
  • Barnason, S., Zimmerman, L., Nieveen, J., Schmaderer, M., Carranza, B., & Reilly, S. (2003) Impact of a Home Communication Intervention for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure on Self-Efficacy, Coronary Disease Risk Factor Modification and Functioning. Heart & Lung, 32 (3), 147-158.
  • Barnason, S., Zimmerman, L., Atwood, J., Nieveen, J. & Schmaderer, M. (2002). Development of a Self-Efficacy Instrument for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft CABG) patients. Journal of Nursing Measurement, 10 (2), 123-133.
  • Barnason, S. & Rasmussen, D. (2002). Patient outcomes beyond hospitalization: Carotid endarterectomy surgical patient outcomes. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 16 (2), 100-105.
  • Zimmerman, L., Barnason, S., Brey, B., Catlin, S., & Nieveen, J. (2002). Comparison of recovery patterns for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft and minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass in the early discharge period. Progress in Cardiovascular Nursing, 17, 132-141.
  • Miller, C., Zimmerman, L., Barnason, S., & Nieveen, J. (2007). Impact of an Early Recovery Management Intervention on Functioning in Postoperative Diabetic Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients. Heart & Lung, 36, 418-430.
  • Zimmerman, L., Barnason, S., Schulz, P., Nieveen, J., Miller, C., Hertzog, M., Rasmussen, D., Tu, Chunhao. (2007). The effects of symptom management intervention on symptom evaluation, physical functioning, and physical activity for women after coronary artery bypass surgery. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 22(6), 493-500.
  • Hertzog, M.A., Nieveen, J.L., Zimmerman, L.M., Barnason, S.A., Schulz, P.M., Miller, C.L., & Rasmussen, D.A. (2007) Longitudinal comparison of the RT3 and an activity diary with cardiac patients. Journal of Nursing Measurement, 15(2), 105-120.
  • Zimmerman, L., & Barnason, S. (2007). Use of a telehealth device to deliver a symptom management intervention to cardiac surgical patients. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 22 (1), 32-37.
  • Barnason, S., Zimmerman, L., Anderson, A., Mohr Burt, S., Nieveen, J. (2000). Functional status outcomes among coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients over time. Heart & Lung, 29(1), 33-46.
  • Barnason, S. & Rasmussen, D. (2000). Comparison of clinical practice changes in a rapid recovery program for coronary artery bypass graft patients. Nursing Clinics of North America, 35(2), 395-403.
  • Woods, S.S., Jensen, L.B., Schulz, P., Barnason, S., Graham, J., Rasmussen, D., Carder, B., Wild, M.C. (2000). Collaborative research: A community approach. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 14(2), 13-16.
  • Nelson, F.W., Zimmerman, L., Barnason, S., Nieveen, J., & Schmaderer, M. (1998). The relationship and influence of anxiety on postoperative pain in the coronary artery bypass graft patient. Journal of Pain & Symptom Management, 15(2), 102-109.
  • Crutchfield, J., Zimmerman, L., Nieveen, J., Barnason, S., & Pozehl, B. (1996). Preoperative and postoperative pain in total knee replacement (TKR) patients. Orthopaedic Nursing, 15(2), 65-72.
  • Zimmerman, L., Nieveen, J., Barnason, S., & Schmaderer, M. (1996). The effects of music interventions on postoperative pain and sleep in coronary bypass graft patient. Scholarly Inquiry for Nursing Practice, 10(2), 153-170.
  • Pozehl, B., Barnason, S., Zimmerman, L., Nieveen, J., & Crutchfield, J. (1995). Pain in the postoperative coronary artery bypass patient. Clinical Nursing Research 4(2), 208-222.
  • Barnason, S., Zimmerman, L., & Nieveen, J. (1995). The effects of music interventions on anxiety in the patient after coronary artery bypass grafting. Heart and Lung, 24, 124-132.
  • Barnason, S., & Zimmerman, L. (1995). A comparison of patient teaching outcomes among postoperative coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients. Progress in Cardiovascular Nursing, 10(4), 11-20.
Recognition
  • 2013 Inducted as a Fellow into the Academy of Emergency Nursing.
  • 2012 Inducted as a Fellow into American Academy of Nursing.
  • 2007 Inducted as a Fellow into the American Heart Association.
  • 2006 The Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award. UNMC College of Nursing . Teaching Award.
  • 2005 4th Annual UNMC College of Nursing: Adult Health & Illness Department . Teaching Award.
  • 2000, 2001, 2004, and 2005 Emergency Nurses Association. Distinguished Service Award.
  • 1996 Nebraska Emergency Nurses Association.Award of Excellence
  • 1996 Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association.Alumni of the Year Award.
  • 1996 Emergency Nurses Association.Lifetime Achievement Award & ENA Hall of Fame Honors Panel.
College of Nursing - Lincoln Division

University of Nebraska Medical Center
550 N 19th Street
Lincoln, NE 68588-0620