The International Year of the Nurse and Midwife was planned to be a celebration of nursing accomplishments and recognition for the nursing profession but quickly turned into a real-world demonstration of impact, nursing knowledge, accomplishment and necessity.
From caring for COVID-19 patients, often at risk to their own health, to setting up testing, and later, vaccine clinics, nurses were—are—on the frontlines of what may prove to be the worst health crisis of the 21st century. The pandemic affected all nursing professionals. Vanderbilt School of Nursing faculty pivoted to teach students in virtual settings, spearheaded clinical innovations such as expanded telehealth and nurse-on-call programs, studied pandemic responses and best practices, and provided leadership locally, regionally, nationally and globally. They also continued scholarly and research activities.
The following pages represent select accomplishments by VUSN nurse scientists, educators and leaders in the academic and scientific arenas from the past year.
We hope you find it interesting and informative.