Delegation Excels at Midwest Nursing Research Society Annual Conference 

The College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines (CNPD) at the University of North Dakota (UND) recently made waves at the Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) Annual Conference, which was held in Minneapolis, MN, from February 28 to March 2. A delegation of students, recent alumni, and faculty from the college participated in various activities, contributing significantly to the event’s academic discourse and networking opportunities. 

The Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS), originally established as a platform for nurses to collaborate, has evolved into a premier organization dedicated to nursing research. MNRS’s flagship event, the Annual Conference, draws over 900 attendees from across the United States annually. Beyond the conference, MNRS provides a wide range of networking and learning opportunities to help members advance their careers in nursing science. 

The CNPD held their Spring Semester Ph.D. Nursing Intensive at the conference. One of the conference’s highlights was the active participation of CNPD students and faculty, who showcased their research and academic achievements through presentation reporting the findings from completed research studies and poster sessions.  

Dr. Stephanie Orth ‘23, Dr. Tanya Trotter ‘23, and current UND Ph.D. student Dr. Randy Huard were among the presenters. They covered diverse topics, ranging from the experiences of rural frontline registered nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the perceptions of depressive symptoms after stroke, and the experiences of male caregivers caring for family with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Additionally, Dr. Dawn Denny and Dr. Rhoda Owens presented a notable poster alongside research assistant Mary Labuhn, focusing on pain and tissue perfusion with the use of three surgical surfaces among healthy adult participants. 

Several PhD students and recent graduates were recognized for their outstanding contributions. 

Frank Johnson, a Ph.D. candidate, received the prestigious “Joseph and Jean Buckwalter Dissertation Grant” for his study on the primary care experiences of American Indian patients with opioid use disorder, a testament to the excellence of UND CNPD’s research endeavors.  

Recent alumnus, Dr. Tanya Trotter also received the “Outstanding Dissertation Award” from the Qualitative RIIG, highlighting the caliber of research emerging from UND CNPD. This award recognizes the contribution of a nurse researcher whose dissertation is exceptionally meritorious and exemplifies high standards of scholarship and knowledge development in qualitative methods. 

The college also participated as an exhibitor, showcasing opportunities for fall enrollment in UND’s newly revised D.N.P., Ph.D., and certificate programs.  

CNPD’s participation and achievements at the MNRS Annual Conference underscores the University of North Dakota College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines’ commitment to advancing nursing education, research, and practice while also fostering collaborative networks within the nursing community.