The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program at the University at Buffalo educates students for an expanded comprehensive nurse practitioner role that includes critical thinking and independent decision making in clinical practice, leadership, education, policy and consultation. The CCNE accredited program prepares nurse practitioners to apply the latest evidence-based science to improve clinical practice outcomes.
research news
By CHARLES ANZALONE
Published January 12, 2024
In this season of New Year’s resolutions, who better than the faculty from UB’s School of Nursing to ask about ways to achieve happier, healthier living in the new year?
No one, according to at least two long-standing Gallup polls. One shows that nurses for decades have been regarded as among the most trusted professionals. The other ranks nurses’ ethics and patients’ confidence in them to provide exemplary medical care significantly higher than doctors.
“Nurses are the persons who spend the most time with the patient, and we’re the ones they share the most vulnerable information with,” says Annette Wysocki, dean of the School of Nursing.
“During the most vulnerable times of their lives, patients know nurses will advocate for them. Nurses have the most contact with all other health care professions giving care to a patient, so we’re able to be a patient’s voice and navigate the layers in order to do what’s best for them.”
Given that status, UBNow asked four nurse researchers for New Year’s resolutions, based on their area of expertise. Aware these represent a small sample of overall SON wisdom, here are their scholarly recommendations, along with each’s area of professional research:
Sleep your way to health: Carleara Weiss, research assistant professor, Center for Nursing Research; behavioral sleep medicine and circadian rhythm.
Better mental health through mindful practices: Alyssa C. Hamel, clinical assistant professor and coordinator, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program; mental health.
Building a strong heart: Susan Grinslade: clinical professor and associate director, UB’s Community Health Equity Research Institute; heart health.
Vaccine for the soul: Tania T. Von Visger, assistant professor; mindfulness practices.
“Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of your thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations in the present moment without judgment,” says Von Visger. “Mindful living can help you to become more resilient in dealing with life stressors.
“Mindfulness is the vaccine for your soul.”
Von Visger offers some ways to achieve a health mind and a healthy body:
Healthy mind:
Healthy body: