School of nursing news
Unlocking the Potential of Non-Pharmacological Cancer Symptom Management
Dec 19, 2024Cancer research isn't just about finding a cure; it's about improving the quality of life for those undergoing treatment. Robert Knoerl, Ph.D., RN, assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN), has dedicated his time and resources to discovering the intricacies and motivations behind non-pharmacological interventions, their impact on symptom management, and the future of cancer research.
Innovative Research with Promising ResultsAs a relatively young researcher, Dr. Knoerl graduated from UMSN in 2017 with his Ph.D. and has hit the ground running. With a... Read more
UMSN Nursing Takes Leap into the Future with Virtual Reality
Oct 09, 2024The landscape of nursing education is evolving, driven by the urgent need to prepare future health care professionals with the skills and confidence required to thrive in an increasingly complex medical environment. As such, the adoption of immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation headsets at the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) represents a monumental step forward.
In a Virtual World Not So Far AwayImagine a classroom where students don VR headsets and are instantly transported to a fully interactive, virtual hospital. There, they can practice managing real-... Read more
UMSN's BSN Program Ranks in Top 10 Once Again in Latest U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Colleges Rankings
Sep 24, 2024
The University of Michigan School of Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has been ranked No. 9 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in their 2025 Best Colleges rankings. This prestigious recognition underscores the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing education and dedication to preparing the next generation of health care professionals and leaders.
Being consistently ranked in the top 10 nationwide is evidence of the school’s unwavering commitment to quality and excellence in nursing education.
The rankings for... Read more
Senior Nursing Student Breaks Boundaries Through the Art of Words
Sep 20, 2024When you ask Tess Carichner about Accessing Disability Culture (ADC), her eyes light up with passion and determination. A senior nursing student at the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN), Tess has created a digital anthology that showcases and celebrates the voices and experiences of students with disabilities. Her work was nurtured within the University of Michigan Digital Accessible Futures Lab and promises to be a game changer in the landscape of U-M disability culture and advocacy.
A Journey Rooted in Personal ExperienceTess’s journey into nursing and disability... Read more
UMSN Honors 2024 Alumni Award Recipients
Sep 11, 2024The University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) has announced the recipients of its 2024 Alumni Awards. They are Sandra Merkel, MS, BSN, RN (MS 1977); Lenette Jones, Ph.D., RN, FAHA (BSN 2002, MS 2011, Ph.D. 2014); and Bernadine Cimprich, Ph.D., RN, FAAN (Ph.D. 1990).
UMSN Dean Patricia Hurn, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, applauded this year’s recipients for their commitment to excellence and efforts to advance nursing in Michigan, across the nation and around the world. Through their hard work, vision and dedication, she says, they represent the best of our school and the... Read more
Shaping Conversations and Transforming Lives Using the TELL Tool™
Sep 06, 2024In reproductive health conversations, particularly with donor conception, families often face unique challenges with sharing conception information with their children. Thanks to the leading-edge work of Patricia Hershberger, Ph.D., APRN, FNP-BC, FAAN, chair of the University of Michigan School of Nursing Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, there is now a new tool – the TELL Tool™ – that helps families navigate delicate conversations about donor sperm, egg, or embryo origins.
The TELL Tool is the first ever digital decision aid of its kind to support parents in... Read more
UMSN Celebrates Revolutionary Telehealth Tool
Aug 21, 2024In the post-COVID world, there has been a paradigm shift in accessing health care. An increasing number of people use their phones for virtual consultations rather than visiting their doctor in person. Because of this trend, the importance of health care providers to successfully execute a telehealth visit has never been more important, both for themselves and for the care of their patients.
Transforming Health Care – One Visual Visit at a TimeIn response to this trend, Heather Jones, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-C, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Health Behavior and... Read more
It’s All About Perspective — ArtSpective
Aug 15, 2024Stigma, especially within health care settings, is a widespread issue that can affect patient care and outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations. One significant area of stigma involves the treatment of pregnant substance users and their newborns. Traditional methods to address this problem have fallen short, and innovative solutions are needed to create meaningful change.
Enter ArtSpective—a creative and groundbreaking initiative led by Clayton J. Shuman, Ph.D., MSN, RN, assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN), that leverages art-based... Read more
From Cancer Survivor to Healing Hero: A Nurse Practitioner’s Journey of Resilience
Aug 14, 2024In the heartwarming and inspiring tale of Katie DeGrace's life, adversity served as the catalyst for a call to nursing. From the depths of stage 4 ovarian cancer at just 10 years old, to the pinnacle of success as a board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP-BC), her story is nothing short of miraculous.
Rewind to 2006, a year etched in Katie’s memory as the beginning of a battle against a menacing foe – stage 4 ovarian cancer. Armed with a spirit of resilience and surrounded by the care of nurses and doctors at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, located just minutes... Read more
UMSN Alum Founds Firm to Improve Pharmaceutical Safety
Jul 08, 2024From Ann Arbor to London, a University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) alum reflects on her journey from frontline nurse to innovator and entrepreneur.
Molly James graduated from UMSN with her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1986, driven by the institution's prestigious reputation and her familial ties. "We were a Michigan family," she reminisced, as her uncle and older sister had attended U-M before her.
Deepening her Michigan roots after graduating, Molly worked in a variety of roles in mental health and outpatient care before she was introduced to drug safety and... Read more
