Katherine A. Hinderer, PhD, RN, CNE, NEA-BC
Katherine A. Hinderer, PhD, RN, CNE, NEA-BC is Senior Pediatric Nurse Scientist at Connecticut Children’s Institute for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice and Associate Chair for Nursing Research in the Connecticut Children’s Research Institute. She earned her BSN and PhD from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and an MSN in Nursing Leadership from Wilmington University. She is ANCC Board Certified as a Nurse Executive-Advanced and a Certified Nurse Educator.
With more than 25 years in nursing, Dr. Hinderer brings expertise in nursing research, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional education across clinical and academic settings. Her work centers on pediatric mental and behavioral health, end-of-life decision-making, cultural aspects of advance care planning, and workforce well-being.
A 2024 Nightingale Award recipient and 2025 Heilbrunn Nurse Scholar Awardee, Dr. Hinderer is currently validating a pediatric emergency nursing assessment tool for children in crisis and leading studies on school nurses’ roles in child mental health and pediatric advance care planning. She is deeply committed to mentoring pediatric nurses and interprofessional colleagues in research and implementation science.
Monique Bouvier, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC
Monique Bouvier, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC is an Assistant Professor at Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University and the Corporate Director of Nursing Science at Emory Healthcare. Her research focuses on nursing care delivery model redesign and improvements in integrating technology into the nursing workflow. She has mentored frontline nurses and nurse leaders on research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement, and she has authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and presented at national and international conferences. She has 20 years of nursing experience and holds a PhD degree in nursing science from the University of San Diego and a master of science degree in nursing from the University of Florida. She is on the ANE Research Advisory Council and the Georgia Nursing Workforce Advisory Board.
Rachelle Lancaster, PhD, RN
Rachelle Lancaster, PhD, RN is a Nurse Scientist and Nursing Research Manager at Advocate Health, where she leads efforts to build research infrastructure, advance evidence-based practice, and improve patient and teammate safety across a large health system. With more than 25 years of experience in nursing, she brings a unique blend of frontline clinical practice, academic scholarship, and leadership in nursing research. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, her Master of Science in Nursing from Marian University, and her PhD in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Prior to her current role, Dr. Lancaster served as a tenured Professor of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and maintained an active practice as a medical-surgical nurse for over two decades. Her scholarly work focuses on critical issues in contemporary nursing, including professional governance, nurse retention and well-being, top-of-license practice, research infrastructure in merged health systems, and patient safety. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Nursing Outlook, Journal of Nursing Administration, American Journal of Nursing, and Nursing Ethics. Dr. Lancaster is a respected principal investigator for multi-site studies and is known for her collaborative, team-oriented approach to translating research into meaningful improvements in nursing practice and patient outcomes.
Deanna Reising, PhD, RN
Deanna Reising, PhD, RN is currently Professor of Nursing at Indiana University, where she conducts research on educational and patient outcomes of interprofessional education and practice. She teaches primarily in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and teaches courses in leadership. Dr. Reising is a full member of the University Graduate School, has taught masters courses, and supervises doctoral students in with a nursing education research focus. Dr. Reising is an expert in interprofessional education and collaborative practice, and has provided consultation in those areas as well as legal consultation in malpractice cases. She has a part-time appointment as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Magnet Program Co-Director at Indiana University Bloomington Hospital, Bloomington, Indiana, and the Magnet Program Coordinator for Indiana University Health system. Dr. Reising is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, fellow in the Academy for Nursing Education awarded by the National League for Nursing, and a fellow in the National Academy of Practice. She was named a Macy Faculty Scholar in 2014 and her work focuses on a collaboration between Indiana University School of Nursing and Indiana University Health in Bloomington using interprofessional student navigation teams to impact patients at high risk for readmission in transitional care.
Lindsey M. Tarasenko, PhD, RN, Caritas Coach®
Lindsey M. Tarasenko, PhD, RN, Caritas Coach® is a hospital-based research scientist at Children’s Hospital Colorado and an assistant professor at the University of Colorado College of Nursing with clinical training in adult inpatient and pediatric ambulatory care nursing. She holds a PhD in Nursing, with a focus on health care systems research using mixed methods and innovative multimethod designs. With seven years of independent research experience, Dr. Tarasenko has led studies in leader practice environments, professional governance, and clinical-academic-community partnerships. Her work reflects a deep commitment to advancing nursing science through clinical inquiry, mentorship, and collaborative engagement. To amplify national and global impact, Dr. Tarasenko contributes as a researcher with the Verran Professional Governance Scale Research Team and the Watson Caring Science Institute. She also serves as a scientific reviewer for the Colorado Multiple Institutional Review Board, sits on the research committee of the Western Institute of Nursing, and is a founding member of the Colorado Nurse Scientist Network. In recognition of her innovative research methods and dedication to the profession, Dr. Tarasenko received the 2024 Colorado Nurses Foundation Luminary Award for Exceptional Achievement in Nursing Research.
October 7, 2025
Research Symposium Sessions
RS02-A
Governance Structures & Empowerment
The Structure of Shared Governance: Does it Matter? A Two-Site, Cross-Sectional Study
Leah May, DNP, RN, C-ONQS, HCA HealthONE ROSE and Elisabet Harms, DNP, RN, CMSRN, CNEcl, HCA HealthONE ROSE
Virtual nurses in acute care report stronger patient safety and better work-life balance—despite tech and communication hurdles. Their insights show virtual nursing isn’t just support, it’s a growing force for innovation, care quality, and workforce transformation: nurses can help shape its future.
Nurses' Insight Into Professional Governance: Effect on Satisfaction / Intent-to-Leave
Peggy Kalowes, PhD, RN, CNS, FAHA, Adventist Health / Nursing Consulting Partners and Julie Mike, BSN, RN, Adventist Health White Memorial
Engaging in shared decision-making isn’t just good for practice—it’s key to retention and growth. Nurses who felt empowered through professional governance reported greater job satisfaction, stronger autonomy, and less desire to leave. Nurses can lead by embracing governance to shape their work and future.
Valuing Nurse's Discretionary Time: Structural Supports for Clinical Nurse Engagement in Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Fay Wright, RN, APRN-BC, PhD, Northwell Health Northern Westchester Hospital
Inclusive governance sparks stronger engagement! While Magnet hospitals saw similar governance perceptions across models, all-staff structures ignited significantly higher staff involvement—highlighting the power of inclusion and the potential for broader organizational impact.
The Engine Behind Evidence: How Nurse-Led EBP, QI and Research Drives ROI Across Teams
Sponsor: Wolters Kluwer
*This sponsored session does not offer CNE credits
Devin Carr, DNP, RN, RRT, ACNS-BC, NEA-BC, CPPS, Chief Nursing Officer, Southern Region of MaineHealth & Maine Medical Center, Kristiina Hyrkäs, PhD, LicNSc, MNSc, RN, Director of the Center for Nursing Research and Quality Outcomes, Maine Medical Center, and Deborah Laughon, MSN-ED MS DBA, CCRN CENP, Director of Professional Development and Clinical Excellence, AdventHealth Celebration
In today’s complex healthcare landscape, the value of nurse-led initiatives in Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), Quality Improvement (QI), and research has never been more critical—or more measurable. This dynamic session explores how frontline nursing leadership is not only transforming patient outcomes but also delivering tangible returns on investment (ROI) across interdisciplinary teams.
Join us to discover how nurse-driven innovation fuels system-wide improvements in care delivery, operational efficiency, and workforce engagement. Through real-world case studies and data-driven insights, we’ll highlight the strategic impact of empowering nurses as evidence champions.
A special feature of this session includes a live demonstration of Ovid Synthesis, a powerful platform that streamlines the EBP and research process. See firsthand how this tool enhances collaboration, accelerates project timelines, and supports the translation of evidence into practice.
Whether you're a novice or a research guru, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to harness the full potential of nurse-led initiatives—and drive meaningful ROI across your organization.
RS03-A
Wellbeing & Resilience
Health Promotion Behaviors Mediating the Impact of Workload on Nurses Psychological Distress Symptoms
Hephzibah Edwin, PhD, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, PCCN, MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Heavy workloads and poor work environments are contributing to nursing distress, sleep issues, and declining health. Embedding wellness behaviors into daily practice and creating supportive workplaces are essential to protecting nurse well-being and workforce stability.
Nurse Intervention That Builds on Strengths to Facilitate Wellbeing
Cynthia Peterson, PhD, RN, NE-BC, CCRN-K, University of Vermont Medical Center and Genevieve Chandler, PhD, RN, CRRN, University of Massachusetts Amherst
A nurse-led, strengths-based resilience program helped healthcare staff build emotional awareness, connection, and coping skills over 10 weeks. Rooted in Appreciative Inquiry and a social ecological model, this empowering approach shows how aligning well-being with nursing values can strengthen clinician health and workplace culture.
Nurse-Led Research: Post-Pandemic Stress and Support
Vida Vizgirda, RN, PhD, JD, Advocate Health and Sonali Rajput, RN, MSN, CNL, Advocate Health
Three years after COVID-19, the mental toll lingers. Nearly one in three nurses still face serious distress—and many skip wellness resources due to time and privacy concerns. It’s time for support that’s truly accessible, personalized, and built around nurses’ real needs.
How to Use Covidence to Streamline Evidence Synthesis in Nursing
Sponsor: Covidence
*This sponsored session does not offer CNE credits
DeLyndia Green-Laughlin, Community Support Manager & Razia Aliani, Consultant Systematic Reviewer
Nurses are often closest to the problem, which makes them ideal candidates for research. But with shift work, patient care, and paperwork, who has time to lead an entire research project?
This session is made for nurses who want to be involved in research but feel stuck by all the roadblocks: lack of time, different schedules, and not knowing where to start.
Covidence is a cloud-based tool built to make research easier, especially for healthcare teams. It helps you work at your own pace, even when your team isn’t online. It also shows you step-by-step how to do each part of your review, with built-in guides, and free resources.
In this session, we’ll show you how nurses around the world are using Covidence to go from idea to publication - without needing to be a research expert. You’ll see a live demo and get tips that make evidence-based work faster and more doable in real life
RS04-A
Professional Certification & Development
Nurse-Level Predictors of Obtaining Specialty Registered Nurse Certification
David Ryamukuru, PhD, RN, University of Michigan
Specialty RN certification has been associated with improved patient outcomes, better nurse outcomes, and reduced nursing turnover rates. This was the first study to examine the impact of specialty RN certification on patient outcomes at the patient level, where nurses provide direct care.
Promoting Confidence: Using Simulation Pedagogy to Professionally Develop Patient Care Technicians
Lagidgette Robinson, RN, MSN, MEDSURG-BC, NPD-BC, Baylor Scott and White Memorial Hospital
Simulation-based training gave Patient Care Technicians a major confidence boost in handling aggression—outperforming traditional methods. This hands-on approach shows real promise to reduce workplace violence, improving safety, and preparing PCTs to deliver better, more secure patient care.
The Impact of Specialty Registered Nurse Certification on Patient Outcomes: A Nurse-Patient Level Analysis
David Ryanmukuru, PhD, RN, University of Michigan
Patients had better odds—fewer deaths, infections, and pressure injuries—when cared for by more specialty-certified RNs. These benefits held steady regardless of BSN status, highlighting the powerful impact of certification and the importance of continued professional growth in nursing.
Improving Nurse Retention and Satisfaction Through Standardized Onboarding: Building Competence and Confidence in New Graduates
Sponsor: Relias
*This sponsored session does not offer CNE credits
Felicia Sadler MJ BSN RN CPHQ LSSBB, VP Quality Clinical Workforce Development
Discover how standardized onboarding empowers new graduate nurses by enhancing competence and confidence—key drivers of retention and satisfaction. This session explores evidence-based strategies that elevate organizational outcomes through structured support, fostering a resilient nursing workforce prepared to thrive in today’s dynamic healthcare environment.
Olivia Lemberger, PhD, RN, NPD-BC
Olivia Lemberger, PhD, RN, NPD-BC began her nursing career as a health service Peace Corps volunteer in Guinea, West Africa. Olivia’s time in Guinea initiated an appreciation for innovation and created an opportunity to learn how to practice nursing with limited resources. Olivia obtained a PhD in Health Sciences at Northern Illinois University and was one of the twelve inaugural Johnson and Johnson nurse innovation fellows. During her fellowship, she innovated the Nurse Innovator Index, an open-access repository dedicated to disseminating the work of global nurse innovators. Olivia is thrilled to work for the American Nurses Association as their Innovation Scientist.
Arya Abdool, MBA
Arya Abdool, MBA is a service designer, strategist and design researcher with over 9 years of experience practicing and leading design in complex systems where clarity, care, and strategy are essential. Arya’s experience spans healthcare, insurance, transportation, government, and digital services and products. Arya turns human insight into practical solutions that improve services, support critical decision-making and deliver human-centered experiences. She holds an honors Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and an MBA in Design Strategy.
Olga Yakusheva, PhD, MSE, FAAN(hon)
Olga Yakusheva, PhD, MSE, FAAN(hon) is an economist and an internationally leading expert and thought leader on the economic value of nursing to healthcare systems and payors. She is a Professor at Johns Hopkins Nursing and Hopkins Business of Health, and an Economics Editor for the International Journal of Nursing Studies. Dr. Yakusheva’s research examines the value-added contribution of nurses to patient outcomes and to organizational financial outcomes, to improve nurse staffing, reduce burnout, and quantify the economic value of nurses. Dr. Yakusheva is the lead author of the Nursing Human Capital Value Model, the Value-informed Nursing Practice and Leadership Model, and the Quality and Cost-Based payment model for hospital nursing.
Marianne Weiss, DNSc, RN
Marianne Weiss, DNSc, RN, Professor Emerita of Nursing at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a health services researcher and research consultant. Her program of research has focused on the contributions of nurses to patient outcomes at hospital discharge and post-discharge. She is an internationally recognized leader in research on discharge preparation, having developed patient-centric measures of the quality of discharge teaching, readiness for hospital discharge, and post-discharge coping difficulty. With Dr. Yakusheva, Dr. Weiss co-led the development of the Nursing Human Capital Value Model. Together they continue their research and writing on the application of the model.
Jenna Spencer, DNP, APRN, ACCNS-P, CPEN
Jenna Spencer, DNP, APRN, ACCNS-P, CPEN is a pediatric emergency department clinical nurse specialist with nearly ten years in emergency medicine. She enjoys mentoring nurses in quality, safety, and clinical practice along with conducting her own initiatives to improve patient outcomes. Her passions include sepsis prevention, mental health awareness, nurse autonomy, interdisciplinary education, and staff safety. Throughout her experience in the PED and graduate education, Jenna has gained expertise in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, project implementation, and outcomes analysis.
Madeleine Whalen, MSN/MPH, RN, CEN, NPD-BC
Madeleine Whalen, MSN/MPH, RN, CEN, NPD-BC is the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Program Coordinator for the Johns Hopkins Health System and an editor and author of the Johns Hopkins EBP Model and Guidelines 4th and 5th editions. In this role she stewards the Johns Hopkins EBP model while educating and supporting frontline nurses in completing robust and actionable EBP projects rooted in bedside experience. She began her nursing career in the Emergency Department while earning her Master’s Degrees in Nursing and Public Health. She is a Joanna Briggs Institute Scientific Writer, a member of the Journal of Emergency Nursing editorial board, a section editor for the Journal of Emergency Nursing, and a guest editor on BMC Nursing’s EBP in Nursing special issue. She also serves as adjunct faculty at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing.
Disclosure:
No relevant financial relationships were identified for individuals with the ability to control content of the activity with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, reselling, or distributing health care products used by or on patients.
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The American Nurses Association is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
