Nursing news briefs

Nurse researcher named American Academy of Nursing Fellow

Lori Kennedy, Ph.D., R.N., A.C.N.P.-B.C., director of the Center for Nursing Science at UC Davis Health and School of Nursing alumna, is among the new cohort of fellows of the American Academy of Nursing and the first health system employee to earn the F.A.A.N. (Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing) credential. The academy recognizes nurses who make extraordinary contributions to improve health locally and globally through the generation, synthesis and dissemination of nursing knowledge. Kennedy leads nursing and interdisciplinary research and evidence implementation in a range of clinical settings.

NIH supports students’ equity research

UC Davis nursing professor Leigh Ann Simmons, Ph.D., M.F.T., F.A.A.H.B., has received a $1.25 million NIH grant to focus on health equity. The Ruth L. Kirschstein Institutional National Research Service Award is a training grant known as a T32 — the first such award for the School of Nursing — and will fund a program titled “Research to Advance Connected and Community Health Equity (ReACH Equity).” The goal is to train a new generation of scientists to use advanced, multidisciplinary, multi-level methods to improve health equity, with Simmons’ goal being to train 26 predoctoral fellows in the school’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing Science and Health-Care Leadership Degree Program. Simmons leads the Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center (POD) at the School of Nursing.

High school program earns national STEM award

The Summer Health Institute for Nursing Exploration and Success (SHINES) Program at the School of Nursing received the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine. The program is one of 83 hosted by universities recognized for encouraging students from underrepresented groups to enter STEM fields. SHINES is a two-week summer program that draws from a diverse pool of high-school and community college students in and around Sacramento, who get hands-on experience to see if nursing, or other health care professions such as physician assistant, might be a fit for them.

They also learn skills such as interviewing and writing techniques, get tips for applying to college, and are mentored by nurses of color and PA students. The third year wrapped up in June bringing total alumni to 113.

Associate dean named NBNA Trailblazer

Piri Ackerman-Barger, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.E., A.N.E.F., F.A.A.N., associate dean for Student Affairs and Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the School of Nursing, was awarded the 2024 Trailblazer Award from the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA). She is recognized for being “an individual who has taken risks.” Piri leads the school’s efforts to create a diverse and welcoming setting in which to learn, work and collaborate. She also designs initiatives, so the school’s learning environments, workforce, programs, services and partnerships are more diverse and inclusive. Awardees lead their community, state and the nation in nursing, business, philanthropy, communications, government, education or the arts.

Doctoral student named national diversity scholar, earns NBNA scholarship

Shontaya Carrico, M.S.N., A.P.R.N., A.C.N.S.-B.C., C.P.H.Q., a second-year Doctor of Philosophy student at the School of Nursing, is named a 2024 Policy and Politics in Nursing Scholar from the AcademyHealth Diversity Scholars Program, which aims to support professional development of underrepresented racial/ethnic minority groups in health services research. Carrico was also awarded a $5,000 United Health Foundation Scholarship from the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) to help reduce ongoing disparities in health conditions, experiences and outcomes, and address persistent workforce representation challenges. Carrico’s research focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and antiracism in health care.

Doctoral candidate awarded NIH fellowship

Kurt Anthony David, A.O.C.N.S., B.M.T.C.N., a Doctor of Philosophy candidate at the School of Nursing, was awarded an F31 fellowship through the NIH National Institute of Nursing Research. The National Research Service Award for predoctoral researchers (F31), supports a mentored experience for promising predoctoral students. David’s “Examining Health Disparities in the use of Hematopoietic Cell Transplants for HIV-related Lymphoma” seeks to characterize social determinants of health that influence hematopoietic cell transplants (HCT) utilization in patients with HIV-related lymphoma, and determine if supportive measures are needed to address differences in care outcomes based on HIV status.

Alumni panel guides students for post-graduation options

The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing’s Graduate Health Professionals Council student representatives hosted: “What comes next after graduation?” to share experiences and advice. More than 60 current master’s-entry nursing and physician assistant students attended to hear six alumni panelists, including PA alumni, entry-level nursing program representatives, and a professional expert.