School of nursing news
UMSN Researcher Secures $2.235 Million FDA Award to Study Stimulant and Opioid Use Among U.S. Adults
Dr. Sean Esteban McCabe, Carol J. Boyd Collegiate Professor and director of the Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health at UMSN, has been awarded a $2.235 million grant from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to investigate the complex patterns and outcomes associated with stimulant and opioid use among American adults. This project, running over four years, aims to uncover the trajectories of substance use disorders and their health consequences.Dr. McCabe will spearhead the study titled "A Mosaic Approach for Understanding Stimulant and Opioid Use and Use Disorder… Read more
Unlocking the Potential of Non-Pharmacological Cancer Symptom Management
Cancer 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 holistic… Read more
UMSN Nursing Takes Leap into the Future with Virtual Reality
The 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-world scenarios —… Read more
UMSN's BSN Program Ranks in Top 10 Once Again in Latest U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Colleges Rankings
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… Read more
Senior Nursing Student Breaks Boundaries Through the Art of Words
When 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 advocacy began… Read more
UMSN Honors 2024 Alumni Award Recipients
The 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 nursing profession.“Our… Read more
Shaping Conversations and Transforming Lives Using the TELL Tool™
In 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 safeguarding… Read more
UMSN Celebrates Revolutionary Telehealth Tool
In 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 Biological Sciences… Read more
It’s All About Perspective — ArtSpective
Stigma, 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 teaching… Read more
From Cancer Survivor to Healing Hero: A Nurse Practitioner’s Journey of Resilience
In 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 away from the University… Read more
UMSN Alum Founds Firm to Improve Pharmaceutical Safety
From 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 pharmacovigilance at 22… Read more
UMSN Graduate Creates Comfort for Patients and Families
In a world where kindness and compassion shine brightest, one University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) graduate is making a difference with her thoughtful approach to patient care. From the moment Emma Barr, BSN, RN, stepped into the emergency department at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City as a newly graduated nurse, she wanted to treat patients with more than just a clinical approach. She introduced the “Comfort Cupboard” – a source of relief for patients and their families during challenging times.The Comfort Cupboard is more than just a repository of goods. It's proof of Emma’… Read more
VA Clinic Named After UMSN Nurse, Decorated Veteran
In a tribute to a lifetime of service and dedication to our country and our community, the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, located just minutes away from the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN), has renamed its women’s clinic in honor of Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone (ret.), a UMSN alumna and decorated veteran. A dedication ceremony was held in May to celebrate this honor.Carol Ann embarked on her remarkable journey in 1975 when she earned her baccalaureate in nursing from UMSN and set out to pursue her passion for healing when she received her commission in the United… Read more
Preceptor of the Year Awards 23-24
The University of Michigan School of Nursing Office of Professional Graduate Studies is excited to share the winners of the 2023-2024 Preceptor of the Year Awards! These awards are given annually to honor preceptors who have gone above and beyond in supporting our students' learning and professional development.This year we are awarding six preceptors, each in their own category for their remarkable performance. The winners were selected after considering student nominations and faculty reviews, which are provided below.Aubree Blumer, CNPPediatric Nurse Practitioner ProgramAbout Aubree:… Read more
From the Classroom to the Community: Profiles of Clinical Practice – April Bigelow
As a leading educator of the next generation of nurses, the University of Michigan School of Nursing is committed to a tripartite mission of education, research and clinical practice. We are proud to share stories of the work our faculty do to bring much-needed clinical care to Ann Arbor and surrounding communities, while enhancing the lessons and experience they provide to students.For April D. Bigelow, Ph.D., ANP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, her role as a clinical associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing provides her with the opportunity to marry her two great professional… Read more
Local Nonprofit Helps Relieve Stress for UMSN Students
The pressure of tests and exams can leave students feeling a little anxious and stressed out. Now, insert a furry four-legged friend with a wagging tail and endless kisses and belly-rubs. Suddenly, things don’t seem quite so bad.That’s why students at the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) look forward to visits from some very special (and furry) friends from Therapaws, a local nonprofit organization that brings therapy dogs to organizations to boost morale, improve motivation and most importantly, lower stress.According to Sandy Turnau, UMSN administrative assistant intermediate… Read more
Launching the 4th We Dare Challenge - Unleashing Student Innovation
For a limited time, from February 1, 2024, to February 16, 2024, the University of Michigan School of Nursing is thrilled to launch the 4th We Dare Challenge, an exclusive opportunity for donors to directly impact the student experience. Donors who make a gift to the We Dare Challenge will experience the energy and excitement as four student projects vie for donor votes in a live-stream nursing student pitch competition. Immerse yourself in the pitches, interact with the students, ask questions, and cast your vote for the project that speaks to you.The winning project will receive the donated… Read more
Top 5 reasons to get an MSN
Pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is a natural step for many registered nurses and nursing students. Whether you are interested in more career opportunities, a higher salary, or wish to lead the charge in health care transformation, extending your education with an MSN is a worthy consideration.Advanced nursing positions are in high demand. With a growing focus on preventive care and an increased need due to population aging, nursing specialists, including nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives, are among the field’s highest-paid professionals. If you… Read more
U-M School of Nursing Announces Recipients of 2023 Alumni Awards
The University of Michigan School of Nursing has announced the recipients of its 2023 Alumni Awards. They are Chin Hwa (Gina) Dahlem, Ph.D., FNP-C, FAANP (MS 2005, Ph.D. 2010); Suzanne Miyamoto, Ph.D., RN, FAAN (BSN 2002, MS 2004, Ph.D. 2009); and Daniel Pesut, Ph.D., RN, FAAN (Ph.D. 1984).According to U-M School of Nursing Dean Patricia Hurn, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, this year’s recipients have not only made impactful contributions to the nursing profession throughout their distinguished careers, but have also affected meaningful and lasting change across the health care industry.“This year’s award… Read more
2023 Preceptors of the Year
The University of Michigan School of Nursing Office of Professional Graduate Studies would like to announce the 2022-2023 Preceptor of the Year Awards winners! These awards are given yearly both to individual preceptors and departments who have shown exceptional dedication to providing learning experiences and support to our students as they transition to advanced practice providers. The recipients of this recognition are selected from nominations from faculty and student evaluations. This year we are giving out four awards, one in each of the following categories:Individual Preceptor within… Read more