Ascension announced on May 11 that its nurse scientists are driving advancements in patient care by turning clinical questions into actionable research and evidence-based solutions. The organization said these efforts improve safety, quality, and outcomes for patients across its healthcare system.
The focus on nursing research is intended to ensure that bedside experiences inform broader healthcare practices. Ascension’s program brings together bedside nurses, operational leaders, and four PhD-prepared nurse scientists—Vallire Hooper, Lesly Kelly, Cynthia LaFond, and Susan Solmos—to lead studies relevant to daily clinical challenges.
According to the announcement, Ascension’s nursing research has resulted in $1.02 million in implemented grants, 109 active studies with nurses as principal or co-investigators in fiscal year 2026, 19 peer-reviewed publications involving Ascension nurses during the same period, and 13 professional presentations at regional or higher levels. The program’s priorities include advancing patient safety through targeted interventions; supporting workforce well-being; and addressing health disparities shaped by social factors.
The National Nurse Research Affinity Group was established in 2021 to unite clinical nurses with researchers from other disciplines. This group helps set national research priorities for the organization and disseminates findings internally and externally. “Each milestone moves us closer to a continuously learning health system, where evidence consistently informs action,” the release said.
Recent projects highlighted include evaluating fall risk tools specific to emergency departments—resulting in new standards scaled nationally—and studying workforce resilience under senior nurse scientist Lesly Kelly. Another study led by Cynthia LaFond and Susan Solmos found that patients with medium-dark skin tones experienced higher rates of pressure injuries than those with lighter skin tones when analyzing data from over 55,000 patients worldwide.
Nursing turnover was also examined for its impact on patient length of stay as part of efforts to optimize staffing models. “By translating bedside questions into system-wide solutions, our nurses turn knowledge into measurable outcomes,” the statement said.
