School of Nursing and University Hospital honored for outstanding research partnership

The University of Louisville School of Nursing and University of Louisville Hospital have received the Research thru Academic-Clinical Partnerships Outstanding Partnership Award from the Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS).

Serving a 13-state Midwest region, MNRS is one of the largest and most influential nursing research organizations in the country. The award recognizes successful nursing research partnerships between academic and clinical institutions that facilitate evidence-based practices.

The School of Nursing and University Hospital, which is operated by KentuckyOne Health, have created an environment that supports nursing research to improve quality of care, said Marcia J. Hern, EdD, CNS, RN, dean of the School of Nursing.

“The partnership has benefited both organizations and provided opportunities to improve patient outcomes, develop nurse leaders and promote the health of Kentuckians,” Hern said.

PhD-prepared faculty and University Hospital staff nurses, nurse managers and interdisciplinary professionals have collaborated on research studies, reviewing research and grant proposals and conducting a local nursing research day.

Joint research programs between the School of Nursing and University Hospital have produced changes in clinical practice regarding postpartum depression, health literacy, patient education and pain management.

“Through nursing research, we have established better methods to partner with our patients in providing health education and health promotion,” said Shari Kretzschmer, RN, MSN, MBA, NEA-BC, vice president of Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer for University Hospital.