KU School of Nursing Honors Program students present research before graduating

May 8, 2014

By Toni Cardarella

Ten seniors in the University of Kansas School of Nursing Honors Program presented their research to a packed room of engaged faculty and students on Monday, just as National Nurses Week got underway.

The 2014 Nursing Honors Presentations meant the Bachelor of Science in Nursing students had another opportunity to share their findings before graduating later this month. The students made presentations at other venues earlier in the year, including  Research Day at the Capitol in Topeka, the Midwest Nursing Research Society in St. Louis and the Mind & Heart symposium in Liberty, Mo.

At the event Monday, Karen Miller, senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at KU Medical Center and dean of the KU School of Nursing, told students their research serves as a solid foundation for their future work as clinicians or even researchers.

"A nursing scholar demonstrates a passion for making a difference in the world," Miller said. "Your work with faculty in nursing research helps to serve humanity through a commitment to better and safer health care."

In all, 91 students have participated in honors presentations since the KU School of Nursing Honors Program began 12 years ago. Coordinated by School of Nursing professor Geri Neuberger, RN, Ed.D., the program is part of the University of Kansas Honors Program for qualifying undergraduate students.

Here's a list of the BSN honor students who presented at the May 5 event at the School of Nursing, with their hometowns, research topics and faculty mentor:

• Laurissa Beckman, Lousiburg, Kan. "Patients' Perceptions of Factors that Influence Accessing and Establishing Primary Care Services." Jill Peltzer, PhD., RN.
• Lauren Bork, Lawrence, Kan., "Maternal/Infant Characteristics and Birth Location Impact on Breastfeeding Initiaion and Duration." Majorie Bott, RN, Ph.D.
• Avery Fischgrund, Leawood, Kan., "Nurse Leaders in Kansas: Roles and Goals." Cythinia Teel, Ph.D., RN.
• Maggie Graham, Kansas City, Kan., Perceptions of Health Care Providers about HIV/STD Prevention Education Among Indian American Tribal Populations: A Qualitative Descriptive Survey Study." Lisa Fink Ogawa, Ph.D., RN.
• Christopher Groutas, Wichita, Kan., "Unassisted Falls and Their Association With Various Nursing Workforce Variables." Vincent Staggs, Ph.D.
• Sydney Piles, Kansas City, Kan., "Sedentary Time in Midlife Women."Kelly Bosak, Ph.D., APRN.
• Elizabeth Powell, Topeka, Kan., "Factors that Influence Insured Patients' Use of Emergency Departments for Primary Care." M. Elaine Frank-Ragan, Ph.D., RN.
• Kendra Sturgeon, Plainville, Kan., "America's Health Insurance Plans' Rhetoric Related to the Affordable Care Act." Debra Ford, Ph.D.
• Shannon Walsh, Overland Park, Kan., "Case Report of a Feasibility Study: Older Adult with MCI Listens to Music Via a Mobile Tablet." Heejung Kim, Ph.D., RN.
• Cassi Welch, Gardner, Kan. "The Effects of Nurse Education and Certification on Hospital Acquired Infections."Emily Cramer, Ph.D.