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Nursing Research at SUNY Upstate

Upstate Center for Nursing Research & Innovation

Upstate Center for Nursing Research & Innovation

Research is a primary mission at Upstate Medical University. As an academic medical center, nurses are encouraged to lead and participate in clinical inquiry and are provided mentorship and support from brainstorming through dissemination. 

Available Support Services

Nursing Research and EBP support is available to all nurses at Upstate Medical University:

  1. Nursing Research: Question development, design, data collection/analysis, IRB application, manuscript writing, poster, podium presentation
  2. EBP: Question development, literature review, project design, implementation, IRB application, dissemination
  3. Quality Improvement: Problem identification and analysis, project development and implementation, outcomes evaluation, poster, podium presentation, manuscript writing

 

Get Started

Toolkits for Nursing Research, Evidence-Based Practice Project, and Quality Improvement Project. Not sure where to begin?  Fill out the “Have an Idea?” link and a member of the nurse research team will work with you 1:1 to get started!

Nursing Research

Nursing research utilizes scientific methods to generate new knowledge on a topic. When exploring your question, you find a lack of literature or a gap in the literature, this is a good opportunity to conduct your own research study.

Steps:

  1. Fill out our “Have an Idea?” link and a member of the nurse research team will contact you for guidance and resources.
  2. Develop topic/research question
  3. Search the literature on Upstate’s Library page to see what evidence is out there on your topic.
  4. Develop a brief research proposal
  5. Present proposal to Research and Innovation Council
  6. Develop study design and methods
  7. Complete required CITI Training
  8. Create IRB account if needed
  9. Complete Training on IRB page if needed
  10. Submit IRB package
  11. Begin study
  12. Analyze Results
  13. Dissemination

Evidence Based Practice

Integrating current evidence into our nursing practice is critical to providing the best care.  EBP can also generate projects to improve processes, systems and professional practice.  If you are wondering about the best practice for a certain topic area, then an EBP project is for you. 

Upstate Nursing has adopted the Johns Hopkins Model for EBP which follows the 3 phases of

  1. Practice question,
  2. evidence,
  3. translation of evidence into practice. 

Steps:

  1. Fill out our “Have an Idea?” link and a member of the nurse research team will contact you
  2. Develop project proposal following Johns Hopkins EBP Model (JHEBP Model)
  3. Proposal review [JHEBP Appendices A - I]
  4. Project Implementation
  5. Evaluation
  6. Dissemination

Quality Improvement

If you want to improve a metric in your clinical practice area, or adherence to policy or existing protocol, a quality improvement project will help you achieve this. Upstate Nursing uses the PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) methodology for quality improvement.  There are tools and a step by step guide available on the website.

Steps:

  1. Fill out our “Have an Idea?” link and a member of the nurse research team will contact you
  2. Complete QI Project plan using PDSA form and planning table
  3. Finalize measure
  4. Implement project
  5. Analyze project
  6. Disseminate

Dissemination

No matter which track you are on EBP, QI, or research – consider disseminating your work! There are a variety of ways to disseminate your work and a member of the nurse research team will support you in any or all of them! 

Internal Dissemination:

  1. Nursing Grand Rounds
  2. Sharing your findings at staff meetings/leadership meetings/Shared Governance

External Dissemination:

  1. Poster submission
    1. Identify professional nursing organization conference that project is appropriate for
    2. Confirm dates of conference, identify deadlines for abstract submission
    3. Review abstract guidelines for specific conference
    4. Follow instructions and submit – that is it!
    5. A member of the nurse research team is available to help you with drafting this abstract – please reach out!
  2. Podium presentation
    1. Identify professional nursing organization conference that project is appropriate for
    2. Confirm dates of conference, identify deadlines for podium presentation submission – often an abstract for a poster and a podium presentation can be submitted at the same time
    3. Review guidelines for specific conference
    4. Follow instructions and submit – that is it!
    5. A member of the nurse research team is available to help you with preparing this, please reach out!
  3. Manuscript writing for publication
    1. Identify journal that project is appropriate for
    2. Review author guidelines for manuscript submission
    3. Start preparing manuscript – A member of the nurse research team will help you at any and all steps

Scholar Vault

The scholar vault is a place to recognize the dissemination of studies and projects that Upstate nurses have done, whether that be internal or external. If you are an Upstate nurse, submit here to showcase your work!

2024 Publications and Presentations

Publications

Names Title
Jeski, M., Stanger, J., Schafer, M., Osten, A., Conners, G. Reducing Post-Operative Hospital Length of Stay following Uncomplicated Appendectomy in Pediatric Patients: A Prospective Clinical Study
manuscript
Healthcare (Basel). 14;12(4):474. doi: 10.3390/healthcare12040474.
Tiffany, S., & Soper, K. A Registered Nurse Driven Survivorship Program
manuscript
Journal of Navigation and Survivorship (accepted; pending publication)

Presentations

Names Title
Joey Angelina DNP, RN Decreasing Readmission Rates of Diabetic Patients Over 65
Poster presentation
Upstate University Nursing Operations Leadership
Aisha Lubega DNP, FNP-BC Assessing Provider Knowledge Towards Screening Cardiac Patients for Social Determinants of Health
Poster presentation
Magnet Executive Steering Committee
Marks, K. Palacio, G., Swarnkar, S. Palliative Care: Advance Directives, Difficult Conversations, and Symptom Management
In-person
Upstate APP Neurology Fellowship
Marks, K. Palliative Care: Understanding Advanced Directives and End-of-Life Nursing Care
Virtual
Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds
Marks, K. Understanding Palliative Care: Focus on Relief from Symptoms and Support
Virtual
Upstate Healthlink
Onyan, J. Connecting the Dots; A Pharmacist-led Care Transtion Model for Stroke Patients Post Discharge
podium
International Stroke Conference
Saratoga, NY
Wolaver, E., Swansbrough, W., Major, G., Cline, A., Passett, A. Bye-Bye Breathing Tube
poster
2024 Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program Conference
San Diego, CA
Lacey, N. Virtual Mandatory Skills
poster
American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing
Orlando, FL
Chung, V., Roberts, T., Dolinak, J., Wratney, A. Scald Burns-Associated Demongraphic Features Related to Incidence and their Relationship to Length of Stay at Major Northeastern Tertiary Burn Center
Podium
American Burn Association Annual conference
Serrano, N., & Dodge, T. Aortic Dissection: Dissection Or...?
podium
NYS Emergency Nurses Association PACE Conference
Orlando, FL
Scalise, A. Integration of a Mock Mass Casualty Incident into Safe Driving Education for Young Adults
poster
Society of Trauma Nurses (TraumaCon)
San Diego, CA
Ducey, E., Brabant, A., Rodenelli, A. Creation of PI Indicator Review Templates to Streamline Trauma Patient Review Process
poster
Society of Trauma Nurses (TraumaCon)
San Diego, CA
Serrano, N., & Dodge, T. Aortic Dissection: Dissection Or...?
podium
Emergency Nurses Association Conference
Las Vegas, NV

2023 Publications and Presentations

Publications

Names Title
Choquette, K,. Dwyer, R. Discharge Hospitality Center
manuscript
American Nurse Journal. 2023;18(9):44-49. doi:10.51256/anj092344
Soper, K., Reilly, M. & Krenzer, B. Embedding a Palliative Care APP on a Neuroscience ICU Service
manuscript
Journal for the Nurse Practitioner, 19(4), 111-118.
Soper, K. Reducing Burnout and Promoting Professional Development on the Palliative Care Service
manuscript
Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing, 24(3), 181-185.
Sullivan, S. S., Mann, C. & Wittenberg, E. Communication Openings: A novel approach for serious illness communication in homecare
manuscript
Journal of Gerontological Nursing. 49(11), 33-41.
Sullivan, S. S., Ledwin, K., & Hewner, S. A clinical classification framework for identifying persons with high social and medical needs: The COMPLEXedex-SDH
manuscript
Nursing Outlook. 71(5)
Wittenberg, E., Sullivan, S. S., & Rios, M. Improving dementia caregiver activation with a brief communication module
manuscript
American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Online ahead of print.

Presentations

Names Title
Mandebvu, F., & Nye, C. Examining the Impact of Implicit Bias on Nurses' Experiences and Patient Outcomes
Virtual
Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds
Syracuse, NY, 2023, February
Marks, K. Advanced Directives
Virtual
Upstate Healthlink
Syracuse, NY, 2023, February
Schlier, J., Onyan, J., Latorre, J. Forget the Drip, just bolus and ship
Poster
International Stroke Conference
Dallas, TX, 2023, February
Forgea, M.C., Langan, J., Zaccarini, C., Li, C.S, & Lorenz, R. Exploring the Relationship Between Social Determinants of Health and Functional Independence Among Stroke Survivors in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting: Preliminary findings
Poster
Eastern Nursing Research Society Annual Conference
Philadelphia, PA. 2023, March
Letourneau, D., & Sawyer, J. Magnet Recognition and Nursing Excellence
Virtual
Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds
Syracuse, NY. 2023, March
Ruth-Setek, D., Jabbour, A., Brady, A., Mannava, K., Farah, J., & Farah, R. Unusual squamoproliferative eruption following pembrolizumab infusion for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Poster
American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting
New Orleans, LA. 2023, March
Soper, K. The Embedment of Palliative Care Services on a Neuroscience Unit
Poster
Annual Assembly Hospice & Palliative Care
Montreal, CA. 2023, March
Dolan, K., & Brangman, S. Frailty in Hospitalized Older Adults: Impact and Outcome
Virtual
Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds
Syracuse, NY. 2023, April
Forgea, M.C., & Lorenz, R. Exploring factors affecting functional improvement among stroke survivors in the inpatient rehabilitation setting: Preliminary findings
Poster
University of Buffalo Nursing Research Day
Buffalo, NY. 2023, April
Soper, K. The Development of a Survivorship Letter to Bridge the Gap Between PCP and Oncology Team
Poster
Oncology Nursing Society Congress
San Antonio, TX. 2023, April
Fischi, L. Increasing Total Knee and Total Hip Replacement Same Day Surgeries
Poster
National Association of Orthopedic Nurses
Pittsburg, PA. 2023, May
Choquette, K. ED Overcrowding
Virtual
Maryland Hospital Association State-Wide Collaborative
Elkridge MD. 2023, June
Diez, N., & Michalski, C. Patient Centered Collaborative Approach to Preventing Falls
Poster
AONL
Denver, CO. 2023, June
Choquette, K. Throughput Operations Past, Present & Future
Virtual
Regional Upstate Stroke and Health Summit Conference Series
Syracuse, NY. 2023, July
Zmitrowicz, N Assessment of Patient Understanding Through Interprofessioanl Heart Failure Education
Podium
American Association of Heart Failure Nurses Annual Meeting
Boston, MA. 2023, July
Choquette, K. Discharge Lounge
Virtual
TeleTracking webinar
Syracuse, NY. 2023, August
Mann, C. & Sullivan, S. S. Communication Opening: Serious Illness Communication Framework
poster/podium
NYONL 2023 Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference. Unifying our Voices: Nurse Leaders Building a Stronger Future
Tarrytown, NY. 2023, September
Marks, K., & Dimora, M. Advance Directives: A Review of Code Status, HCP, and MOLST Forms
Virtual
Upstate Advanced Practice Provider Grand Rounds
Syracuse, NY. 2023, September
Stanton, M. Palliative Care and Stroke
Virtual
Regional Upstate Stroke and Health Summit Conference Series
Syracuse, NY. 2023, September
Stanton, M. Palliative Care and Stroke
Virtual
AAHPM Annual Assembly 2023
Pheonix, AZ. 2023, Septemberz
Briggs, E. Exploring Research, Evidence Based Practice, and Quality Improvement in Your Organization
Virtual
Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds
Syracuse, NY. 2023, October
Cleary, L., Darko, W., Rokicki, R., Botash, A., Vaughn, J., Phelan, L. Microcredentials to Advance Flexible, Individualized Learning in Academic Medical Centers
Poster
Association of American Medical Colleges
Seattle, WA. 2023, October
Kamly, M., Fagnani, J., Helkin, A., & Dolinak, J. The Use of a Bipedicled Abdomina Flap for Hand Reconstruction in a Case of Severe Full Thickness Burns
Podium
Northeast Burn Conference.
Providence, RI. 2023, October
Marks, K. & DiMora, M. Advance Directives: A Review of Code Status, HCP, and MOLST Forms
Virtual
Upstate Primary Care Grand Rounds
Syracuse, NY. 2023, October
Moss, D. Leading for social justice:  A panel discussion with LGBTQIA+ mental health experts
Podium
LeMoyne University
Syracuse, NY. 2023, October
Onyan, J., Makarron, A., Seabury, R., Vallelunga, M., Venoit, P., Schlier, J., Latorre, J. Development of a Neuro SWAT Nurse Role Improves Standardization of Care in the Neuroscience Patient Population
Poster
Neurocritical Care Conference
San Antonio, TX. 2023, October
Serrano, N., & Dodge, T. Aortic Dissection: Dissection Or...?
Podium
Nurse Practitioner Association of New York State Conference
Verona, NY. 2023, October
Waldron, C., & Patenaude Pressure Injury Prevention and the Impact of Early Mobility
Podium
Craigmile Health Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Summit
Utica, NY. 2023, October
Mann, C., Sullivan, S. S., & Chang, Y. P. Maintaining personhood and autonomy: A grounded theory of community-based hospice care transitions
Poster
GSA 2023, Building Bridges, Catalyzing Research, Empowering All Ages.
Tampa, FL. 2023, November
Klingman, K. & Sullivan, S. S. Exploring the link between sleep and dementia: Multifaceted Approaches. (Symposium Section entitled Sleep and frequent hospitalizations at the end of life for individuals with dementia).
Podium
GSA 2023, Building Bridges, Catalyzing Research, Empowering All Ages.
Tampa, FL. 2023, November
Sullivan, S. S., Li, C.S., & Chang, Y. P. Quality-of-life associated with hospital death among persons living with dementia
Poster
GSA 2023, Building Bridges, Catalyzing Research, Empowering All Ages.
2023, November
Baxter, T. Identifying and Treating Alcohol Withdrawl Syndrome, Alcohol Use Disorder
Virtual
Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds
Syracuse, NY. 2023, December
Rapke, J., & Lopez, C. Behavioral Emergency Response Team Coverage
Virtual
Upstate Department of Emergency Medicine Healthcare Training Center
Syracuse, NY 2023, December
Vaughn, J., & Rose, J. Compassion Fatigue and Nurse Leaders
Poster
Institute of Healthcare Improvement Forum
Orlando, FL. 2023, December

2022 Publications and Presentations

Publications

Names Title
Ashraf, I., Ackley, D., Razawich, K., Botash, A., Schafer, M., & Pekarsky, A. Improving Follow-Up Skeletal Survey Completion in Children with Suspected Nonaccidental Trauma
manuscript
Pediatric Quality & Safety. 7(3), e567. 2022

Presentations

Names Title
Sous, W., Randolph, C., Zmitrowitz, N., Gambhir, H.

Assessment of Patient Understanding Through Interprofessional Heart Failure Education
Virtual
Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds
Syracuse, NY. 2022, February

Baxter, T. Alcohol Use Disorder: What Nurses Want to Know
Virtual
Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds
Syracuse, NY. 2022, May
Brabant, S. Integrating Performance Improvement in Trauma Rounds in a Level 1 Trauma Center
Poster
Trauma Center Association of America Annual Virtual Conference
Virtual. 2022, May
Choquette, K. Admissions Start with Discharges.
Podium
Discharge Planning & Capacity Management Summit
Chicago, IL. 2022, September
Choquette, K. Admissions Start with Discharges.
Virtual
TeleTracking webinar.
Syracuse, NY. 2022, Novemeber.
Brabant, S. Utilization of an Internal Trauma Dashboard in Preparation for Trauma Center Verification
Poster
Trauma Quality Improvement Program Annual Conference
Phoenix, AZ. 2022, December

2021 Publications and Presentations

Publications

Names Title
Forgea, M.C., Lyons, A.G, & Lorenz, R.A. Barriers and facilitators to engagement in rehabilitation among stroke survivors: An integrative review
manuscript
Rehabilitation Nursing Journal, 46(6), 340-347
Haughey, D., Vaughn, J., Kalman, M. Stronger together: The student experience during the onset of COVID-19
manuscript
Journal of Nursing Education, 60(9), 517-521.

Presentations

Names Title
Randolph, C. Living with Heart Failure
Virtual
Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds
Syracuse, NY. 2021, February
Stevens, M. Sustaining Shared Governance During a Pandemic.
Podium
National Associiation of Clinical Nurse Specialist Annual Conference
Virtual. 2021, March
Harf, N. Caring Through Certification Acheivement
Virtual
Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds
Syracuse, NY. 2021, April
Marks, K. National Healthcare Decisions Day
Poster
National Health Care Decisions Day
Syracuse, NY. 2021, April
Soper, K. A Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Wait Times Associated with Chemotherapy on an Inpatient Oncology Unit
Poster
Oncology Nursing Society Congress
Virtual. 2021, April
Curtin, P. Cancer Survivorship Wellness Program
Virtual
Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds
Syracuse, NY. 2021, June
Briddick, G. Saving Sepsis Lives: Nursing's Role in Sepsis
Virtual
Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds
Syracuse, NY. 2021, September
Tomko, C. Palliative Care
Virtual
Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds
Syracuse, NY. 2021, October
McGrath, S. Acute Care for the Elderly Team and Acute Delirium
Virtual
Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds
Syracuse, NY. 2021, November
Soper, K. Reducing Burnout and Promoting Professional Development for the Palliative Care Team
Poster
Vizient Quality Leadership Conference
Las Vegas, NV. 2021, November

Have an Idea?

Even if you are not sure how to get started, submit what you have and we will support you in developing your idea with 1:1 mentoring and guide you down the right track.

Nursing Reseach & EBP Team

Upstate Center of Nursing Research & Innovation is dedicated to supporting and building a nursing infrastructure to promote a culture of inquiry, nursing research, and EBP into clinical practice.

Upstate nursing is committed to improving patient care and outcomes through research and innovation. Our team is available to assist any nurse with a quality improvement project, evidence-based practice project, ​research idea, abstract writing, publication, podium, or poster presentations. Our team is here to support you with the guidance needed to facilitate the conduct, translation, and dissemination of research and evidence-based practice initiatives.

We look forward to working with you.
You may reach us at:

Despina Garcia
[email protected]
315-464-6155

Our Research Doctors

Expand all

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Doctor of Nursing Practice

missingphoto
Kate Barres, DNP

Healthcare Administration/Leadership
Wilkes University
[email protected]


missingphoto
Jade Cassalia, DNP

[email protected]
Kristin Fahsel, NP
Kristin Fahsel, DNP

Advanced Practice Leadership
Chamberlain University
[email protected]

Walter Chang
Walter Chang, DNP
Lifespan Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
University of Minnesota
[email protected]


Kathryn Holliday, DNP, CPNP, CNE
Kathryn Holliday, DNP

University of Buffalo
[email protected]


Kerry Goessling, NP
Kerry Goessling, DNP
Upstate Medical University
[email protected]

Susi Koshy, FNP, DNP-C
Susi Koshy, DNP

[email protected]


Denise Letourneau
Denise Letourneau, DNP
Healthcare Administration/Leadership
Wilkes University
[email protected]
Nichole Lopez, NP
Nichole Lopez, DNP

Upstate Medical University
[email protected]

Aisha Lubega, FNP-C, MSN
Aisha Lubega, DNP

Family Nurse Practitioner
Upstate Medical University
[email protected]


Florence Mandebvu, DNP, RN, GCNS-BC
Florence Mandebvu DNP
Upstate Medical University
[email protected]
Kristin Soper
Kristin Soper, DNP
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
University of Buffalo
[email protected]
missingphoto
Cathy Narcavage-Bradley, DNP

Public Health Nursing
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center
[email protected]
Rachel O'Brien, NP
Rachel O’Brien, DNP

Frontier Nursing University
[email protected]
missingphoto
Ilyana Rahman, DNP

[email protected]
Nicole Serrano, NP
Nicole Serrano, DNP
Family Nurse Practitioner
Frontier Nursing University
[email protected]
missingphoto
Megan Stevens, DNP

Clinical Nurse Specialist
Upstate Medical University
[email protected]
Caitlin Tomko, NP
Caitlin Tomko, DNP
University of Buffalo
[email protected]
Jennifer Vaughn, DNP, RN, NE-BC
Jennifer Vaughn, DNP
Executive Leadership
Chamberlain University
[email protected]

Justin Waryold, DNP, RN, ANP-C, ACNP-BC, GS-C, CNE, FAANP
Justin Waryold, DNP
Adult Health, Primary, Acute, Critical Care
Stonybrook Medical University
[email protected]


missingphoto
Nicole Wedzina, DNP

[email protected]
Lori-jeanne West, NP
Lori-Jeanne West, DNP

[email protected]

Doctor of Education

Doctor of Education

Emery Briggs, RN
Emery Briggs, EdD
Executive Leadership/ Social Justice
St. John Fisher University
[email protected]


Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy

Tammy Austin-Ketch, PhD
Tammy Austin-Ketch, PhD

Epidemiology and Community Health
University of Buffalo
[email protected]
Amanda Brown, PhD, RN, CNL
Amanda Brown, PhD
[email protected]
Mary Forgea, MSN, RN
Mary Catherine Forgea, PhD
University of Buffalo
[email protected]
Malena Jones, PhD, MS, MBA, RN, CNE
Malena Jones, PhD
University of Buffalo
[email protected]
Jolene Kittle
Jolene Kittle, PhD
University of Binghamton
[email protected]
Karen Klingman, PhD, RN
Karen Klingman, PhD
University of Buffalo
Sherri Mcmullen, PhD, RN, CNS, FNP, NNP-BC
Sherri McMullen, PhD
[email protected]
Carol Polacek, PhD, NP
Carol Polacek, PhD
[email protected]
Suzanne Sullivan
Suzanne Sullivan, PhD
Research Focus: Serious Illness communication and transitions in care
University of Buffalo
[email protected]
Sari-Ann Yonaty, NP, PhD
Sari-Ann Yonaty, PhD
[email protected]

Doctor of Business Administration

Doctor of Business Administration

JoAnn Featherstone
Joann Featherstone, DBA
(Healthcare Focus)
Walden University
[email protected]


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