A Unique Path to a PhD in Nursing
Renee Colsch, Ph.D., RN, SCRN, CQ, juggles multiple roles within the nursing profession. Colsch serves as an Associate Professor and Graduate Core Coordinator at St. Catherine University, in St. Paul, MN, where she instructs and mentors future nursing leaders. Simultaneously, she contributes as a Nurse Scientist and Professional Development Practitioner Educator at the Minneapolis Veterans Health Administration. Her impressive credentials include being an alumna of the Center for Health Equity Research and a recent alum of the Veterans Health Administration Postdoctoral Quality Scholars Fellowship program.
Colsch’s journey into nursing began with a pivot from an interest in special education teaching. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing, and quickly found her calling in serving others. Following graduation, she joined the Air Force Reserve, where her experiences shaped her commitment to excellence and service.
“I deployed to Iraq in 2007, and when I returned… I knew I wanted to go back to school for a graduate degree, and at the time, I thought I wanted to be a nurse anesthetist.” shared Colsch. She completed her BSN and then went on to complete a Master’s in Nursing Education.
Driven by Purpose
Colsch’s decision to pursue a PhD in Nursing was deeply inspired by the tragic loss of her father to ventilator-associated pneumonia and stroke. “My interest to question and know more inspired me to pursue a PhD in order to contribute to critical advancements in stroke care and prevention and to better equip healthcare professionals with the tools to make a lasting difference in the lives of patients and their families.”
At the University of North Dakota, she found a PhD in Nursing program that aligned with her need for flexibility, offering online coursework complemented by twice-a-year hands-on learning and collaboration.
“I also chose to pursue my PhD at UND because of its strong emphasis on rural issues, which was particularly appealing to me,” says Colsch. The university’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities aligns with my personal and professional interests.”
Transforming Research into Practice
Colsch’s research bridges the gap between academic studies and clinical practice. She focuses on developing evidence-based models tailored to Veterans’ unique cultural needs, with the ultimate goal of improving health outcomes. Additionally, her work addresses sex-specific cardiovascular stroke disparities among women, a vital area of study in advancing gender-specific healthcare.
“As an Air Force Veteran and daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, this research matters to me and the field of nursing” says Colsch. “It addresses critical gaps in care for Veterans and women, ensuring that evidence-based models are culturally tailored and clinically relevant, ultimately improving health outcomes and advancing the understanding of sex-specific cardiovascular stroke disparities.”
Professional Impact and Collaboration after a PhD in Nursing
Colsch is a board member of the American Heart and Stroke Association’s Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing Committee. Her involvement has amplified the reach and impact of her work. She has presented at numerous conferences, collaborated on research projects, and received grants to further her work.
Since earning her PhD in Nursing, Colsch has completed two postdoctoral fellowships and continues to push the boundaries of nursing research and practice in her field.
Advice for those seeking a PhD in Nursing
Colsch encourages prospective Ph.D. students to prepare for a journey of both personal and professional growth. “Developing and having a clear research focus in mind that aligns with your passion and interests is important,” she advises. “Remember that your research can significantly impact healthcare practices and policies.”
Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career
Does Dr. Renee Colsch’s story inspire you?
UND’s PhD in Nursing program offers the flexibility, mentorship, and resources to help you achieve your goals and make an impact in the nursing profession. Explore what’s possible and make an impact! Start your journey toward advancing nursing science and transforming healthcare.
