Deborah Raines named fellow of American Academy of Nursing

Raines is among 173 nurses being honored during the AAN’s annual policy conference, which takes place October 5-7 in Washington, D.C. With the addition of this new class, there are more than 2,500 AAN fellows.

This prestigious designation recognizes contributions to nursing practice, policy and education by thought leaders who have made significant contributions to nursing and health care. Selection is also based on the nominee’s influence on health care policy and practice and the overall health and well-being of patients.

With Raines’ induction, there are six UB School of Nursing faculty who are AAN fellows. Six emeritus nursing faculty members also hold this distinction.

“The SON is honored by the national recognition of Dr. Raines’ work that reflects the innovation and academic-practice partnership we have strived to achieve here in Buffalo,” says Marsha Lewis, PhD, professor and dean of the UB School of Nursing.

Raines is an associate professor and clinical nurse specialist in the UB School of Nursing. Her areas of expertise include innovative educational strategies; technology and teaching/learning; program evaluation/workforce development; and perinatal/neonatal care, especially care transitions.

“Dr. Raines has transformed the Dedicated Education Unit on the mother baby unit at Sisters of Charity Hospital into a real-word laboratory for students and staff nurses,” says Marsha Lewis. “She collaborated with staff to implement evidence-based guidelines for infant safe sleep that led to a parent education program and video application to share with extended family.

“Her national impact is evident,” Lewis adds. “Dr. Raines’ mentorship with staff and students produced joint presentations, locally and nationally, and co-authored peer reviewed journal articles.”

Raines was published most recently in the Journal of Neonatal Nursing’s September/October 2017 supplement celebrating the 20th anniversary of the National Mother Baby Nurses Conference. The co-authored works are titled, “Preeclampsia and Care of the Newborn” and “The Infant Born to a Woman with Gestational Diabetes.”

“My journey as a nurse has been accentuated with opportunities, challenges, successes and letdowns,” Raines says. “Induction as a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing is a privilege and validation of the impact of my work.

“I am grateful to my doctoral program mentors who transformed my career, to my sponsors who encouraged me to apply and to my family who were always encouraging. Now as a fellow, I have an even greater responsibility to continue the journey and impact the well-being of women, neonates and families and to advance the profession of nursing.”

Raines earned an EdS in educational technology from Walden University and holds a PhD in nursing administration and information systems from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also has an MSN from University of Pennsylvania and a certificate in online teaching from UCLA.

By Sarah Goldthrite