Every two years nurse scientists from around the world gather at the State of the Science Congress on Nursing Research in Washington, D.C. There, leading experts in their field and promising upstarts alike share the latest findings on issues of critical importance to improving health outcomes and health policy. The opening keynote this year, for example, tackled “AI, Informatics, and Nursing Science: Collaborating to Improve the Future of Health Equity.”
“The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies was well represented at the top nursing research conference in the nation,” said Hudson Santos, dean, endowed chair, and professor. “I am so proud of our scholarly contributions to and sponsorship of the 2024 State of the Science Congress on Nursing Research.”
The three-day event is hosted by the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science (CANS), a signature initiative of the American Academy of Nursing. Dean Santos, both a Fellow of the Academy and the chair elect of the 2024 CANS National Advisory Council, took part in the 2024 conference this past June with three candidates from the SONHS Ph.D. program in nursing science.
“Dean Santos offered great encouragement and championed his SONHS students throughout the conference,” said Dalton Scott, a registered nurse with a master’s degree in public health. Scott was invited to present as part of the “Diverse Populations” program. His talk—“Intimate partner violence is associated with subsequent substance use among a nationwide sample of LGBTQIA+ people: Results from The PRIDE Study”—was inspired by a recent manuscript he had the chance to collaborate on with some of his mentors. “The response to my podium presentation was encouraging,” he said. “I received thoughtful questions, and the experience affirmed how important the area of research is.” Attending the conference also convinced Scott that “the state of the science is strong,” he said. “Nurses are spearheading research that will undoubtedly lead to the reduction of health disparities and facilitate equitable health care access for all.”
Like Scott, Alexa M. Parra, B.S.N. ’16, B.S.P.H. ’16, was asked to deliver a podium address. During the “Family Health” program, she discussed “Cultivating Healthy Lifestyles: A Nurse-Led Intervention Study Targeting Hispanic Mothers and Children,” based on her obesity-based health disparities research. “Presenting at the conference was a rewarding experience. It was an excellent opportunity to network with other early-career scientists,” said Parra. “I particularly enjoyed sharing my presentation with fellow nurse research colleagues, who not only appreciated the findings but also asked insightful questions and provided invaluable constructive feedback. The experience inspired me to continue my hard work with the hope of someday being a keynote speaker at this very conference.”
Nurse practitioner Judy Greengold presented her poster “The Policy of Care: Understanding the Health Care Professional Lobbying Landscape.” A week later she flew to Nashville to speak at the 2024 American Association of Nurse Practitioners National Conference. “CANS was a wonderful experience,” she said. “The opportunity to engage with pioneers in nurse-led research, answer their questions, and absorb their enthusiasm for my research into nurse investments in policy was truly energizing. Attending national conferences like CANS is an important way to share the word about the innovative work we are leading at the U and build stronger bridges across our discipline.”
Dean Santos gave the “CANS Closing Remarks” at the conference, noting that, “Our nursing science serves our patients through evidence-based practice, through the development of innovations, and, ultimately, by informing sound policy.”
