What advice would you give your younger self?
Follow your passion, seek first to understand, and balance action with patience.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Hawaii! I had the great fortune to live in Hawaii for 22 years and love returning to the islands to visit friends and my favorite places.
January 9, 2023 – Lexington, KY – The Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research (FNINR) are pleased to announce the selection of their sixth cohort of Ambassadors. This unique advocacy program began in 2014 and has grown to include over 30 Ambassadors. The 2023 selection includes 12 nurse scientists to join the ranks of others currently filling this role.
Ambassadors are selected from a national pool of applicants based on their abilities to advance public, health professional, and policy-maker awareness of the critical research agenda advanced by the National Institute for Nursing Research (NINR).
What advice would you give your younger self?
Enjoy the journey and experience no matter the difficulties you encounter on your road to success. The difficult moments are character-building, so embrace them.
Be brave and challenge yourself, don't settle for status quo.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
One of my favorite vacation spots is Kauai because it has the most beautiful mountains and ocean scenery.
Hang on because it is going to be an unpredictable and exciting ride!
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Any alpine lake with great views and fresh air. I love the national parks.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Early on in your career, create a balance between work and taking care of your health and your relationships. Make this your long-term habit. Realize that there are relatively few opportunities that are a "once in a lifetime" and even if you have to say "no" to something, it doesn't mean that another similar, or same, opportunity won't become available in your future. You do not have to say "YES" to everything right away and overwhelm your life. Lastly, remember the passion behind the start of your research and scholarship - it might be a patient, some challenge you or a loved one faced, or something that tugged at your heartstrings. Keep that front and center when times get tough and the work is dragging - remember WHY you chose this path and this focus!
Above: Nurse researcher Siobhan McMahon practices a balance-challenging exercise (heel-toe walking) with participants in the Ready Steady study.
Behavior change doesn’t happen in the hospital or in the clinic. It happens in people’s lives, in their homes, neighborhoods and communities.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient, all good things take time.
Columbia Nursing has long been at the forefront of innovative, interdisciplinary research
on the disparities in health faced by racial and sexual minorities and underrepresented groups,
and how to reduce these inequities.
In 2021, the school launched three centers demonstrating its commitment to social justice and high-quality health care for all, as well as to prepare the next generation of nurse-scientists to continue this mission: the Center for Research on People of Color (CRPC), the Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research (CSGMHR), and the Center for Healthcare Delivery Research and Innovations (CHDRI).
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would offer the Zen precept, “Leap and the net will appear.” Courage is a necessity to create a life of meaning.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. It’s a wonderful mix of spectacular beaches, nature, and many venues where our beloved golden retriever family member is also welcome!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Have faith in yourself! Your education and experience have helped you develop valuable expertise to enable you to carve out a successful career. Don't be afraid of new opportunities, even if you're being asked to do something you haven't done before. Also, stretch yourself beyond your 'day' job and volunteer for activities that you are interested in. Seek out a mentor, and take time to listen to others' experience.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Find an area of clinical interest in nursing that you are both passionate and curious about, further your education and experiential learning in the area. Become curious. Explore unanswered questions that you have or develop in that clinical area, join professional specialty organizations related to that area of focus, and pursue professional networks –all to enable you to become a subject matter expert.
In the last year, the public has focused on scientific research more than ever, and at the 2020 NightinGala, we heard stories directly from nurse scientists on the frontlines of COVID-19 research. FNINR wants to continue honoring nurse scientists fighting for better health outcomes by presenting stories of NINR-funded research during the 2021 NightinGala.
If you are a nurse scientist working on an NINR-funded project and would like to share the story of your research, please fill out this brief form. Several of the submissions will be showcased during the 2021 NightinGala.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Maui, HI.
What made you want to pursue a career in nursing?
My aunt is a retired ICU nurse. Early on, she inspired me to pursue nursing. She served as the matriarch and the eternal caregiver of our immediate and extended families.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don't be afraid to take calculated risks
What advice would you give your younger self?
Identify what brings you the most joy and meaning in your work. It can be tempting to be drawn into projects or positions where others tell you you're needed or they say you have particular talents. But this can distract you from a career trajectory that may ultimately be your greatest source of contribution and satisfaction in life. It's important to make clear decisions about your priorities and stay in charge of your career.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
My favorite spot is anywhere in nature where I'm surrounded by wildlife, large powerful trees, vocal birds, and foliage of all kinds. The beauty and peacefulness of nature always help me 'vacate' and revive my soul!
To see FNINR's full Board of Directors, please visit the FNINR website.
