In October 1976, the late Spencer W. Kimball spoke of BYU’s influence on the world in his address “The Second Century of Brigham Young University.” In his speech, he issued an electrifying declaration to the world: “I am both hopeful and expectant that out of this university and the Church Educational System there will rise brilliant stars in drama, literature, music, sculpture, painting, science, and in all the scholarly graces.” Nearly 50 years later, BYU College of Nursing is fulfilling these prophetic words by bringing powerful research and information to the nursing world.
BYU faculty and staff participated in the Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) conference on November 13th and 14th. At this annual event, medical professionals, hospital administrators, students, and others gather in St. George to present their research and learn from others. Hoping to present her research at the conference, Assistant Professor Adrianna Watson submitted ten research projects to the association. To her surprise, all ten were accepted, so Dr. Watson reached out to other faculty and undergraduate students to help her present.
Many at BYU Nursing were eager to participate; a handful of faculty and nine students signed on to help present Dr. Watson’s work. Melanie Livingston, an assistant professor who participated, said that “BYU was a presence at the conference.” While other groups occupied small sections of the Dixie Convention Center, BYU Nursing filled an entire corridor! The presentations covered a wide variety of topics, and the group presented them wonderfully.
Conferences like this one are hotspots for insights that spark improvement within the nursing field, and the work BYU shared at the RHAU conference was as groundbreaking as it was varied. Assistant professor Jeannette Drake and fifth-semester nursing student Pyper Schmutz presented about the importance of lab simulations when helping students recognize rapidly deteriorating patient situations. This work sheds further light on the need for high-quality simulations that help students manage intense situations.
Another presentation by Professor Jennifer Rigby and fifth-semester student CJ Cariazo was titled “Nursing Experiences with Non-Native English-Speaking Patients.” It covered the barriers often faced by patients who have limited English skills and things nurses should be aware of. For example, it was found that even though a patient may appear to have sufficient English skills, their ability to read or understand what a professional tells them may not be on par. These insights will help spread awareness about language barriers between nurses and patients, and they can be used to develop new protocols to better support patients from a variety of backgrounds.
Several BYU presentation posters can be seen at the bottom of the article.
Giving students opportunities to share their work and gain professional experience is one of BYU Nursing’s specialties. Preparing to “go forth to serve” requires more than theoretical training, which is why there’s such an emphasis on real-world projects and service. Pyper, who’s attended several conferences in the US and internationally, said, “Something special about BYU is that the professors are very invested in getting students involved.” Dr. Watson commented on the hesitation nursing students can face initially, and how many wonder “if they have anything to contribute.” She said that opportunities to present research or provide care outside of the classroom help them step up and shine, overcoming those doubts.
And without a doubt, BYU shone at the conference. The professional audience received the group extremely well, and many were surprised to learn that the students were undergraduates because of how confidently they carried themselves. They were so good, in fact, that people were lining up to hear them and ask questions even after the time to present had elapsed. It should come as no great surprise that Dr. Watson and her research team won the People’s Choice Award at the end of the conference.
BYU College of Nursing’s mission to learn the Healer’s Art is powefully expressed through gatherings like these. Dr. Rigby emphasized the power of small and simple things. “Even just one nurse making a small change to their practice for a patient can make a big difference,” she said. “That’s what Christ was all about when He was here, serving the One.” When asked about how presenting has helped her develop the Healer’s Art, Pyper said that she didn’t always understand the connection between presenting research and becoming more like Christ. However, she’s come to understand that gatherings like the RHAU conference fall directly in line with what the Master Healer teaches. “The Savior brings people together with a common goal of serving others,” she reflected.
The conference was also an amazing opportunity to share the Gospel, and the group represented BYU’s Christ-centered focus well. One poster, presented by Dr. Livingston and a fourth-semester student named Rachel Kovacs, was titled “Students’ Experiences with Spirituality and Professionalism in Mindful Nursing Practices.” It covered the positive effects of daily mindfulness and meditation, as well as prayer and scripture study. Dr. Livingston said that they had several pleasant conversations with attendees, including one with a mental health professional about how to incorporate spiritual activities into patient care. “Any time you can talk about spirituality with someone who’s receptive is a blessing,” she said.
BYU College of Nursing will continue disseminating valuable research in upcoming conferences and events. Students looking to get involved should reach out to their professors about research opportunities.
NOTE: Some posters may appear cropped depending on device format
