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At 75, nursing ranks among top schools in research

October 14, 1999

As alumni arrive in Madison to observe the School of Nursing’s 75th anniversary this weekend, they’ll be toasting not simply an occasion, but the school’s national leadership role in what may be the profession’s best-kept secret: the growing importance of nurse researchers.

More information:
For a detailed schedule of events, visit the School of Nursing’s 75th anniversary web site.

Established in 1924, the School of Nursing was named several years ago as one of fewer than 25 nursing schools nationwide with “research-intense” environments. This year, based on its range of existing research expertise, the school successfully competed for one of a handful of National Institutes of Health grants to develop a comprehensive training program in nursing research.

What are UW nursing faculty investigating? Among dozens of current projects:

  • The research group of Sandra Ward is delving into one of the thorniest issues in medicine: how to give patients the information they need to make optimal use of pain medication
  • Diane Lauver has examined the psychological and social factors that influence women to seek certain diagnostic procedures, such as mammograms, to determine how to tailor more effective health promotion messages.
  • Thelma Wells is investigating a variety of ways to improve inpatient care of elderly people.

“The role of nurses in research may not be widely appreciated,” says Nursing School Dean Vivian Littlefield. “What nurse researchers are discovering today has a profound impact on the care people receive. And, as a profession, nursing has grown to include some very exciting dimensions for people coming into the field.”

The 75th anniversary celebration includes a number of events open to the public. Presentations on both the history and future of nursing will take place Friday morning beginning at 10 a.m. at the school, located within the Clinical Sciences center at 600 Highland Ave. An open house featuring historical displays and current research begins at 1:30.