St. Louis-based Ascension is finding success using nurse scientists to improve workforce challenges and patient care.
In 2021, Ascension established its National Nurse Research Affinity Group, which brings together clinical nurses, nurse leaders, nurse scientists, clinical informationists and workers in other roles to improve patient care across the system. The group supports nurse research and disseminates it to improve standardized care delivery and patient outcomes, according to a May 11 system news release.
The system employs four practice-based, PhD-prepared nurse scientists who translate nurse ideas into tangible results.
Here are four things to know.
1. Nursing research has led to $1.02 million in implemented grants, 109 active studies with nurses as principal or co-investigators, 19 peer-reviewed publications, and 13 regional, national and international presentations in fiscal 2026.
2. Nurses led by nurse scientist Vallire Hooper, PhD, RN, implemented KINDER 1, a fall risk assessment for emergency care, in a Texas hospital to determine its effectiveness. The study of nearly 64,000 patients showed the KINDER 1 more accurately identified patients at risk of falling and became a national standard scaled across the system.
3. Another study led by nurse scientists Cynthia LaFond, PhD, RN, and Susan Solmos, PhD, RN, evaluated more than 55,000 patients worldwide. The team found patients with medium-dark skin tones experienced higher rates of pressure injuries and had up to four times the risk of more severe injuries compared to light-medium skin tones. Ascension used this research to inform policy, refine assessment standards and enhanced care delivery.
4. Senior nurse scientist Lesly Kelly, PhD, RN, is also leading a program to strengthen nurse well-being and stabilizing teams, the release said.
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