The need for nursing research

Dr. Sonya Hardin in her UT Health San Antonio white coat looks toward the School of Nursing with a smile.
School of Nursing Dean Sonya R. Hardin, PhD, MBA/MHA, APRN, FAAN

Nurse researchers are scientists who study a phenomenon to develop new knowledge for the profession. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Nursing is fortunate to have many esteemed research faculty devoted to improving patient outcomes through their specific investigation of nursing practice, education and administration.

Because research is so critical to nursing practice, our undergraduate and graduate students take courses in research and statistics. They participate in studies designed to answer patient care questions. Only with exposure and experience can students begin to understand the concepts and importance of nursing research.

One opportunity our students have to participate is through the Summer Undergraduate Nursing Research ImmerSion Experience. The SUNRISE program supports students for an eight-week period during which they engage in faculty-mentored research. This initiative is funded through our Office of Student Success by a U.S. Department of Education grant.

The School of Nursing’s Office of Nursing Research is led by Lixin Song, PhD, RN, FAAN. She has many years of National Institutes of Health-funded research in the field of oncology. As the vice dean of research, she advises faculty on grant submissions.

The Office of Nursing Research likewise has numerous resources to support faculty directly, such as mock review of grants prior to submission. Research faculty also mentor PhD students on their dissertation work, preparing them for positions as nurse scientists in schools of nursing and in magnet-designated facilities.

This edition of Tribute highlights some of the unique and exciting programs of research of our School of Nursing faculty. I hope you enjoy learning more about their important work and will consider donating to the Nursing Research Fund to support new faculty embarking on their pilot research. For assistance, contact Anna Chowdhury at chowdhurya@uthscsa.edu.

Sonya Renae Hardin, PhD, MBA/MHA, APRN, FAAN
Dean, School of Nursing


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In the 2024 issue of Tribute

Tribute is the official magazine for the alumni and friends of the School of Nursing at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Read and share inspiring stories highlighting our alumni, faculty and students who are revolutionizing education, research, patient care and critical services in the communities they serve.

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