Exploring the Impact of Nursing Research: A Spotlight on Tanya Trotter
The University of North Dakota’s online PhD in Nursing program has cultivated many remarkable nurse leaders who are transforming the field through research, education, and practice. One such alumna is Tanya Trotter, PhD, APRN, PHCNS-BC, a System Nurse Scientist at Premier Health in Dayton, Ohio.
A Nurse Scientist Leading Change
Trotter serves as the System Nurse Scientist for Premier Health, a healthcare system comprising five hospitals, including a 1,000-bed Level I trauma center. Her role involves conducting and communicating research, supporting evidence-based practice (EBP) initiatives, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among Premier Health’s 7,000 staff nurses and 600 advanced practice nurses.
Additionally, she plays a pivotal role in Premier Health’s Magnet designation process and strengthens academic partnerships with Wright State University’s (WSU) College of Nursing.
The Path to a PhD in Nursing at UND
Dr. Tanya Trotter’s nursing journey began with a BSN, an MSN, and certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). Her career before her PhD spans roles in nursing education, clinical trials, and as an advanced practice nurse in an outpatient stroke and general neurology setting.
It was her dedication to understanding the challenges faced by her stroke patients and their caregivers that inspired her to pursue a PhD.
“My stroke patients appeared to be very depressed, and their caregivers appeared to be very burdened with the caregiver role,” she explains. “I wanted to understand why this was occurring and what nurses do to improve stroke patients and their caregivers’ outcomes.”
Choosing UND for Doctoral Studies
In searching for a school, Trotter found the perfect fit in UND’s hybrid, synchronous online PhD Nursing program, which offered the flexibility and support she needed to balance her academic and professional commitments.
“The combination of online synchronous classes and intensives each quarter offered the support and stability I felt I needed to be successful,” she recalls. “The program was also very affordable to me as an out-of-state student.”
Advancing Nursing Science
For her dissertation, Trotter conducted a mixed-methods study on depressive symptoms in stroke survivors and caregiver burden. She identified significant findings, including the elevated risk of depression among caregivers with a history of mental health challenges and spouses or significant others acting as primary caregivers.
“Stroke survivors described their experience with depressive symptoms after stroke and how experiencing a stroke changed their identity and relationships with others,” Trotter explains. “My research adds to nursing literature insight… Nurses should pay special attention to stroke caregivers who are spouses or significant others and provide them with information about symptoms of depression and caregiver burden and when to alert their primary care providers so they can receive prompt treatment.”
Professional Growth and Mentorship
Trotter credits the UND PhD program with fostering her growth both personally and professionally. The faculty guided her through the dissertation process and encouraged her scholarly pursuits. With their support, she was involved in publishing or co-publishing five peer-reviewed articles, including co-publishing with Dr. Dawn Denny, PhD, RN, ONC, award-winning research on preoperative nutritional status and postoperative delirium risk in older adults.
I believe it is vital the PhD prepared nurses be present in the clinical setting to advance nursing research to improve patient and nurse outcomes.
Trotter also had opportunities to make an impact through leadership roles in professional organizations like Sigma Theta Tau and the Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS). She mentors aspiring nurse researchers and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to improve healthcare outcomes.
“The most significant advice I can give to a prospective PhD student is to recognize this academic pursuit is not like anything you’ve ever done. You will grow and evolve mentally, spiritually, and intellectually. It is a MARATHON!” But she adds, “It is worth it, and I am eternally grateful I chose UND’s College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines to pursue my PhD in nursing!”
Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career
Does Dr. Tanya Trotter’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.
