Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation
Department of Nursing Research
The Department of Nursing Research under the Baystate Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation, led by nurses, prioritizes the advancement of nursing science through evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and research. Our mission is to enhance patient health and well-being while improving the nursing work environment. As a Magnet Designated organization, we sponsor Nursing Grand Rounds, integrate evidence into daily practice, and foster an environment of inquiry, nurturing nurses as scholars.
Nursing Research Fellowship Program in Partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
The Department of Nursing Research at Baystate Medical Center has a rigorous Nursing Research Fellowship Program hosted by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). The fellowship program is designed to increase nurses’ understanding and skills in conducting small research projects at Baystate Medical Center. Through mentorship from nurse scientists Cidalia Vital, PhD, RN, CNL, CRRN; Karen Giuliano, PhD, RN; and Ellen Smithline, PhD, RN, CEN, each fellow has written a research proposal, submitted to the Institutional Review Board and conducted their research study.
For more information about the Nursing Research Fellowship
E-mail Cidalia VitalPartnership with UMass Amherst Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation
In 2022, Baystate Medical Center developed a research relationship with the Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation to enable joint projects and research studies. The collaboration created an environment in which frontline nurses can develop and thrive as clinicians, researchers, experts in implementation science, and leaders in healthcare innovation. Through this formal interdisciplinary collaboration, both Centers bridge the gap between the lab bench and bedside patient care.
Dr. Cidalia Vital and Dr. Karen Giuliano were invited as co-presenters at the 2023 and 2024 American Nurses Association Research Symposium. Their presentation, “Academic-Clinical Practice Partnerships: Engaging Clinical Nurses in Research and Healthcare Innovation,” highlighted the numerous benefits of the collaboration between Baystate Medical Center and the Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation. Other projects include working with biomedical engineering students on a new approach to fall prevention and a chest tube holder developed by undergraduate students.
The collaboration’s focus on the professional development of nurses and engineers will continue to result in the advancement of nursing and engineering research and (over time) is expected to lead to measurable improvements in patient care and improved job satisfaction for frontline nurses.
Nursing Grand Rounds
Nursing Grand Rounds is a monthly educational initiative designed to provide nurses with valuable learning opportunities on a diverse array of topics. These sessions are accessible virtually and in person to nurses, nursing students, and other healthcare professionals.
Given the ever-evolving nature of nursing care, it is crucial for nurses to engage in continuous education to refine their clinical skills and stay updated with the latest practices. Nursing Grand Rounds aims to support this ongoing professional development by offering presentations that cover current trends, innovative practices, and evidence-based research.
The primary objectives of Nursing Grand Rounds are to:
- Enhance Nursing Practice
- Improve Patient Outcomes
- Elevate Patient Experience
By participating in Nursing Grand Rounds, nurses can ensure they remain at the forefront of their profession, continually advancing their practice and contributing to improving healthcare delivery.
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Cidalia Vital, PhD, RN, CNL, CRRN – Program Director Nursing Research and Holistic NursingResearch focuses on healthcare quality and safety, including human and environmental factors that impact care. Current research study investigates interruptions to nursing care in inpatient hospital settings. |
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Karen Giuliano, PhD, RN, MBA, FAAN – Nurse ScientistResearch focuses on human-centered design, product development, and nurse-driven innovation. Current research investigates IV-infusion pumps accuracy and usability. |
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Cynthia Peterson, PhD, RN, NE-BC, CCRN-K – Nurse ScientistFocused on developing wellness and resilience in nurses, research focuses on implementing holistic nursing practice and improving nurse wellbeing. |
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Ellen Benjamin, PhD, RN, CEN- Nurse ScientistResearch focuses on the cognitive and organizational work of nurses, including emergency patient flow management. Current research investigates how nurses prioritize patients, ration resources, and perceive workload. |
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Connie Blake, EdD, MSN, RNC-OB, HNB-BC – Holistic Nurse EducatorSupports holistic nursing initiatives, evaluating the effects of aromatherapy on pain and anxiety and gentle touch on end-of-life care. |
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Sarah Romain, PhD Candidate, RN- Research Coordinator (Grant Funded)Researching clinical nursing ethics support, supporting IV infusion pump research and other current nursing research initiatives. |
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Ellen Smithline, PhD, RN, CENResearch focuses on decision-making process, education, and critical thinking of the emergency nurse, in addition to product innovation and access of care for the unhoused. Current research is assessing emergency nurse's prioritization and thru-put. |
Nursing Research Highlight
Nurse Scientists in Action
What is a Nurse Scientist? They help create a culture of inquiry, advocate for continuing education with an application to practice and innovation and lastly, nurse scientists conduct their own research (Vessey, McCabe & Lullof, 2017). At Baystate, nursing research studies are in full action, and the nursing research team is working in the simulation laboratory, completing a research study with new graduate nurses. Photo: Nursing Research Team from left to right: Cidalia Vital, Hoon Lee, Caitlyn O’Connor and Sue Scott in the simulation lab working on their research study.
If you are interested in what the department is working on, please reach out to Cidalia Vital, Nurse Scientist and Program Director for Nursing Research.
Scholarly Work at Baystate Health
Scholarly Commons is a repository of scholarly works, consisting of abstracts and citations, that showcase research and expertise within our institution.
Nursing Research Highlight
2023 Research Week Nurses Symposium
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