News

  • person laying in hospital bed, hand only showing, with IV

    Anxiety Sensitivity: ‘What If’ Fears Impact Care for ICU Patients, During and After Hospitalization

    Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as threatening, assessing the potential meaning across physical, social or cognitive domains. These “what if” thoughts may trigger a spiral effect, stimulating the nervous system and resulting in stronger sensations and further catastrophic misinterpretations. Read More

    Nov. 7, 2023

  • Colleen Conway-Welch in apricot colored suit stands on stone steps

    Conway-Welch Family Foundation gift to honor longtime dean, support Master of Nursing students

    The number of dedicated nurses entering the profession will increase, thanks to a $1.25 million pledge from the Conway-Welch Family Foundation to establish the Conway-Welch Second Degree in Nursing Scholarship at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. This milestone gift, which will be awarded to a student enrolling in Vanderbilt’s new Master of Nursing program, was made in honor of Colleen Conway-Welch, the former dean of the school who died five years ago from pancreatic cancer. Read More

    Oct. 26, 2023

  • photo of stairway and entrance of VUSN

    VUSN receives $1.52 million NFLP grant to educate future faculty

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Oct. 23, 2023

  • Hands above a black and white piano keyboard

    Vanderbilt partners with AANP and National Museum of African-American Music on therapeutic music program

    A new partnership with AARP Tennessee and the National Museum of African-American Music is allowing the Theraputic Music in the ICU program led by Vanderbilt School of Nursing Professor Ruth Kleinpell, PhD, FAAN, MCCM, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center Professor Joseph Schlesinger, MD, FCCM, to expand with outreach to veterans and older adults at long-term care facilities in Middle Tennessee. Read More

    Oct. 18, 2023

  • graphic of pregnant person sitting next to child and the word STRESS

    Researchers Root U.S. Maternal Health Disparities in the Social Environment

    Mulubrhan Mogos, assistant professor of nursing, studies ways to reduce cardiovascular disease risk among women. He was recently quoted in a story with collaborator Monica Keith, assistant professor of Anthropology, who published insights into the complex factors contributing to maternal hypertension and health disparities in a paper titled, “Social Determinant Pathways to Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Among Nulliparous U.S. Women” in the journal Women’s Health Issues. Read More

    Oct. 17, 2023

  • person smiling, Assistant Prof Makayla Cordoza

    Vanderbilt nursing professor wins NIH funding to study sleep’s role in cognitive impairment

    Makayla Cordoza, assistant professor of nursing, has won a multi-year grant of over $730,000 from the National Institute of Nursing Research. She will research how poor and disturbed sleep contributes to ICU delirium. More than one third of patients in the intensive care unit develop ICU delirium, an acute form of cognitive dysfunction that disproportionately increases the risk for worse outcomes and long-term cognitive impairment. Insufficient and disrupted sleep is also a known contributor to short and long-term neurocognitive deficits. Despite this, the sleep-delirium relationship has not been rigorously investigated, Cordoza wrote in the project abstract. Read More

    Oct. 17, 2023

  • photo of exterior of School of nursing with HEED logo on bottom left

    School of Nursing earns 2023 INSIGHT Into Diversity award

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Oct. 11, 2023

  • four people smiling, Vanderbilt Nursing logo

    School of Nursing improves health equity, offers specialized training with new HRSA grant

    Vanderbilt University School of Nursing has received a four-year, $2.8 million Health Resources and Services Administration Bureau of Health Workforce grant for a primary care nurse practitioner residency program that will recruit, train and retain primary care providers with a passion for helping rural and underserved communities. Associate Professor Pam Jones, BSN’81, MSN’92, DNP’13, FAAN, is the grant’s project director, with Associate Professor Christian Ketel, DNP’14, FNAP, serving as primary author and evaluator. Read More

    Oct. 9, 2023

  • group of people, standing on a stage, smiling

    VUSN staff take home awards at 2023 Fall Staff Assembly

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Sep. 29, 2023

  • Gold vanderbilt logo frames headshot of Leanne Boehm

    Boehm receives $3.6 million to study telemedicine and post-intensive care syndrome recovery

    Assistant Professor of Nursing Leanne Boehm, PhD’16, FCCM, has received a grant of more than $3.6 million over five years to examine, the efficacy of telemedicine services among people recovering from post-intensive care syndrome. This effort, funded by the National Institute on Aging, is the first PICS longitudinal cognitive impairment intervention study of its ki Read More

    Sep. 25, 2023

  • group of people sitting at desks listening to a speaker

    Second annual Academy for Diverse Emerging Nurse Leaders application cycle opens

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Sep. 15, 2023

  • photo of person smiling in a circle, with text that reads: Professor Mary Ann Jessee MSN’95, PhD, RN

    Jessee to be inducted as Academy of Nursing Education fellow

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Sep. 15, 2023

  • Gold background, headshot of smiling Carol Ziegler. Text reads Vanderbilt School of Nursing faculty

    School of Nursing Professor Carol Ziegler named to Metro Nashville Board of Health

    Carol Ziegler, MSN’06, DNP’12, professor of nursing and co-founder of the Climate, Health and Energy Equity Lab, was appointed to the Metro Nashville Board of Health on Aug. 15. Known for her climate and health expertise, Ziegler develops trans-institutional strategies to improve health outcomes in underserved communities through culturally appropriate, community-based health initiatives. Read More

    Sep. 8, 2023

  • Gold circle on white background and text reads Center for Research on Inequality and Health Vanderbilt University

    New Vanderbilt Center for Research on Inequality and Health to study causes and consequences of health-related inequalities

    Vanderbilt University announced today the creation of the Vanderbilt Center for Research on Inequality and Health, a trans-institutional collaboration of the College of Arts and Science and the School of Nursing. The center will convene leading Vanderbilt researchers with deep expertise in economic and social inequality, population health science, LGBTQ+ health policy and gun violence to explore the health impacts of these interrelated areas of study. Read More

    Sep. 6, 2023

  • three people smile at the camera

    School of Nursing improves health equity and offers specialized training with new HRSA grant

    The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing received a $2.6M four-year Health Resources and Services Administration grant, to continue its highly successful Collaborative Academic-Practice (CAP) program, which improves advanced practice nursing education and increases recruitment and retention in rural, tribal and medically underserved populations. Read More

    Aug. 31, 2023

  • Leslie Hopkins DNP, MSN'93 was elected to the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties Board of Directors , photo of leslie smiling

    Hopkins elected to national NP board of directors

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Aug. 31, 2023

  • Four VUSN faculty named AAN fellows

    Four VUSN faculty named AAN fellows

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Aug. 29, 2023

  • Group of people standing and looking at camera.

    School of Nursing participates in new VUMC initiative funded by Tennessee Dept. of Health

    Members of the School of Nursing are participating in a new Vanderbilt University Medical Center initiative funded with a $3.9 million grant to VUMC from the Tennessee Department of Health. The grant program will evaluate innovative models of nursing care that include screening and responding to social drivers of health. It will also investigate how to mitigate nursing staffing shortages while ensuring optimal patient care. Read More

    Aug. 16, 2023

  • person in suit, with glasses, smiling

    Faucett chosen to lead Vanderbilt’s Nurse Midwifery Specialty

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Aug. 15, 2023

  • Exterior of brick school of nursing building with driveway in front and fall leaves on the ground

    VUSN named NLN Center of Excellence for education expertise

    The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing has been named a National League of Nursing Center of Excellence in Nursing Education for its support of faculty pedagogical expertise. This is the second time the school has been so honored. The five-year NLN Center of Excellence designation recognizes that VUSN demonstrates ongoing, dedicated excellence in developing and expanding faculty expertise in nursing education. Read More

    Aug. 4, 2023

  • Smiling Monika Do and the words Vanderbilt School of Nursing faculty

    Vanderbilt nurses named Tennessee Rising Star Nurse Leaders

    The Tennessee Action Coalition has included a School of Nursing faculty member and a Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt nurse in its 2023 cohort of Tennessee Rising Star Nurse Leaders. VUSN Assistant Professor Monika Schmidt Do, DNP, FACC, and clinical staff leader Cory Smeltzer, RN, were among 25 young Tennessee nurse leaders named rising stars. Read More

    Aug. 3, 2023

  • Vanderbilt University

    DeVane-Johnson receives NIH grant to address breastfeeding disparities

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Jul. 5, 2023

  • Selected Works and Accomplishments 2021

    Selected Works and Accomplishments 2021

    Vanderbilt University School of Nursing faculty are recognized for discovery, scholarship and leadership in the nursing profession and higher education. Here is an abridged list of their work, followed by a sampling of student accomplishments. (This information is reported by most recent full calendar year.) Read More

    Jul. 1, 2023

  • Ginny Moore Selected as AANP fellow, person smiling

    School of Nursing’s Ginny Moore selected as AANP fellow

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Jun. 16, 2023

  • person smiling, Angela McNelis dean of PhD in nursing program

    McNelis to lead nursing science PhD program

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Jun. 14, 2023

  • Vanderbilt Initiative on the Future of Learning and Generative AI

    VUSN Informatics expert named to VU AI advisory board

    Vanderbilt University has tapped Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Nursing Informatics Patricia Sengstack, DNP, FAAN, FACMI, to serve on an advisory board for its new Future of Learning and Generative AI Initiative. The initiative and board will center Vanderbilt efforts around scholarship and opportunities connected to the growing use of nascent artificial intelligence technologies.  Read More

    Jun. 13, 2023

  • Vanderbilt University

    VUSN NP student Daniel Reyes receives DiversityNursing.com Education Award

    May 30 -- DiversityNursing.com announced Daniel Reyes, a VUSN Acute Care NP student, as winner of the annual $5,000 Education Award. Reyes started his health care journey in the military and hopes to help underserved populations in community health when he graduates. Read the full story at https://blog.diversitynursing.com/2023-education-award-winner Read More

    Jun. 6, 2023

  • TIGER: Translation and Integration of Genomics is Essential to Doctoral Nursing

    Genomics course for doctoral nursing faculty seeks participants

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Jun. 6, 2023

  • person smiling, Emma V. Clark, Vanderbilt School of Nursing

    VUSN Research Spotlight: Emma Clark

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Jun. 1, 2023

  • people standing in a group under a Congratulations banner

    School of Nursing celebrates successful academic year, gives out 17 awards

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    May. 25, 2023

  • person smiling

    Steed chosen to direct Family Nurse Practitioner program

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    May. 25, 2023

  • person smiling

    Kennedy named Association of Women’s Health and Obstetrics Neonatal Nurses fellow

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    May. 24, 2023

  • 6 graduates in caps and gowns hold their diplomas

    School of Nursing graduates 433 in Investiture ceremony

    Vanderbilt University School of Nursing celebrated graduating students and their entry into the nursing profession with a pinning ceremony and reception Thursday night, followed by Commencement and Investiture Friday. Students completing their programs in August and December 2022 and May 2023 were honored.  Read More

    May. 15, 2023

  • Compassionate Care with Pediatric NP Student Anana Upton

    Compassionate Care with Pediatric NP Student Anana Upton

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    May. 12, 2023

  • Illustration of four hands forming a circle. Text reads Academy for Diverse Aspiring Nurse Leaders

    School of Nursing and VUMC launch new program for diverse nurses aspiring to leadership

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    May. 11, 2023

  • Vanderbilt University

    "If You Want to Be a Nurse"–Reflections from an Experienced VUSN Nurse in Recognition of Nurses Month

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    May. 10, 2023

  • Vanderbilt University

    “If You Want to Be a Nurse”–Reflections from an Experienced VUSN Nurse in Recognition of Nurses Month

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    May. 10, 2023

  • VUSN Research Spotlight: Deonni Stolldorf

    VUSN Research Spotlight: Deonni Stolldorf

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    May. 4, 2023

  • A School of Nursing classroom photographed from the back of the classroom. Students fill seats. In the foreground, a student has his or her laptop open to the Vanderbilt website.

    MSN program rises to No. 6 in "U.S. News & World Report" Best Graduate Nursing Rankings

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Apr. 25, 2023

  • A School of Nursing classroom photographed from the back of the classroom. Students fill seats. In the foreground, a student has his or her laptop open to the Vanderbilt website.

    MSN program rises to No. 6 in “U.S. News & World Report” Best Graduate Nursing Rankings

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Apr. 25, 2023

  • group of people smiling with an award

    Rolanda Johnson receives university award

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Apr. 23, 2023

  • person smiling, standing outside in front of the nursing school building

    VUSN dean receives advocacy award from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners

    The American Association of Nurse Practitioners selected Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Dean Pamela R. Jeffries, PhD, FAAN, ANEF, FSSH, as their Tennessee honoree for the 2023 Advocate State Award for Excellence. The award recognizes her work as dean and educator to support and promote the nurse practitioner role. Read More

    Apr. 20, 2023

  • Vanderbilt University

    Sigma’s Iota inducts new members, prepares to celebrate 70 years

    Sigma Theta Tau International’s Iota at-Large chapter, based at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, welcomed 100 new members and their guests this week. At the ceremony, the students were inducted, signed the chapter’s induction book, and received purple and white honor cords to wear with their regalia. They join the more than 40 VUSN faculty and countless alumni who are part of the organization. Read More

    Apr. 13, 2023

  • VUSN Research Spotlight: Lori Schirle

    VUSN Research Spotlight: Lori Schirle

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Apr. 6, 2023

  • Call the Midwife, with group of people smiling, NPT logo and VUSN logo

    “Call the Midwife” and VUSN bloggers return this Sunday on NPT

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Mar. 15, 2023

  • Headshot of smiling woman. Text reads: VUSN Research Spotlight, Amy Campbell, PhD Candidate

    VUSN Research Spotlight: Amy Campbell

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Mar. 1, 2023

  • Vanderbilt University

    Bryant chosen to direct AGACNP program

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Mar. 1, 2023

  • Vanderbilt University

    Engineering and nursing take on interdisciplinary collaboration to use eye tracking and machine learning for education and training

    First-year nursing students, U.S. Army soldiers and a middle school science class might seem very different at first glance. But when you consider the recent work of Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Engineering Gautam Biswas, the similarities become clear. Gautam Biswas (Photo by John Russell). Each group has been a test case for Biswas’ research, which collects multimodal data such as clicks on a computer, hand gestures, eye gaze position and speech and then applies artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to help analyze how students learn and how trainees perform. Read More

    Feb. 20, 2023

  • Vanderbilt University

    VUSN Research Spotlight: Dr. Nadia Markie Sneed

    Courtesy of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Clinicians need to have a better understanding of the potential impact of patients’ anxiety sensitivity, or “fear of fear,” according to an article published in American Journal of Critical Care. When a patient has anxiety sensitivity, they misinterpret nonthreatening symptoms as… Read More

    Feb. 13, 2023

  • Two photos of smiling people, photo of exterior of VUSN building, Text: Assistant Professors Julia Steed & LeTizia Smith

    Nursing faculty hope to diversify graduate health science programs with Sesquicentennial Grant

    Assistant Professors Julia Steed, PhD’18, MSN’10, and LeTizia Smith, DNP, MSN’07, were selected for a Vanderbilt University Sesquicentennial Grant for “Project SHARE: Sharing Strategies for Academic Faculty and Student Recruitment.” The project will evaluate new ways to recruit and retain faculty and students of color in Vanderbilt’s graduate health science programs. Read More

    Feb. 9, 2023