Pi Mu Professional Day encourages healthcare research

By: Katherine Gentry
Creative Services Student Writer

On April 10, 2018, the Pi Mu chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing held their annual Professional Day, which brings together faculty and students from James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University to network and share projects and practices that highlight the professionalism gained through scholarly work. Junior nursing student Stephanie Olson elaborated, “The main purpose of our professional day is to encourage healthcare professionals to get more involved in research by acting on and digging deeper into instances that ‘keep you up at night.’ Research gives us the opportunity to dig in deeper on the cases that keep us up at night.”

At the professional day, nursing students presented their research and learned about research other students conducted. Olson shared the educational impact of these presentations “As part of the nursing curriculum, we are required to conduct our own research. After completing the research on our chosen topics, each group created an infographic that would be on display during the event.”

JMU doctoral student Jill Delawder noted the benefits of collaboration in learning. She explained, “Professional day allowed me to see what my colleagues are doing in the various fields of nursing. I enjoyed hearing about the projects being completed within the community and it re-energized me to know that so many nurses are excited about professional scholarship and improving care and outcomes across the continuum.”

In addition to showcasing research, the professional day encouraged students and nurses to make a difference. Olson said, “I think that my favorite part of professional day was getting to see how incredibly dedicated both nurses and students are to making change and overcoming barriers within healthcare. The dedication to patients that nurses possess is truly incredible and I believe that was strongly reflected throughout the day.” Delawder added, “I enjoyed the awards ceremony recognizing nursing students and nurses who are doing exemplary work to improve health equity and outcomes in the community. To me, this demonstrates how effective an event can be in empowering nurses to take ownership in the profession and make an impact on patient outcomes.”