Approximately 500 nurse scientists will descend on The Peabody this week to share the latest in nursing research at the 39th annual Southern Nursing Research Society (SNRS) conference. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Nursing played an integral role in bringing the group to Memphis for the Feb. 19–21 meeting.
The society’s president is the college’s Executive Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Charleen McNeill, PhD, MSN, RN. “Memphis has a rich history of talent and beauty,” she said. “I wanted to provide an opportunity for the members of SNRS to see that.” The location also offers visitors a chance to see visit “bucket list” locations, such as the National Civil Rights Museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studios, and Graceland, she said.
The theme of the conference is “From Social Determinants to Precision Health Innovations: Nursing Research for Today and Tomorrow.” An internationally known stroke expert who is a member of the college faculty will give one of the keynote speeches. Professor Anne Alexandrov, PhD, AG-ACNP-BC, RN, CCRN, ANVP-BC, NVRN-BC, FAAN, will speak on “One Thing Leads to Another…Research as a Life Journey.” Nearly 20 other faculty members and students from the college will participate in workshops or presentations at the conference.
Dr. McNeill said, “The UT Health Science Center College of Nursing has played an invaluable role in shaping the success of the Southern Nursing Research Society conference this February. The support provided to the board members by the local planning committee has enriched the conference through thought-provoking presentations, fostering collaboration, and showcasing cutting-edge research. The college’s commitment to excellence and its strong community engagement have made Memphis the ideal backdrop for this event.”
The College of Nursing has long had an out-sized impact on the nursing profession. It was the first college of nursing in Tennessee and established the first nursing PhD in Tennessee. The college’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program was the second such program established in the nation and is currently ranked No. 25 in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. The college is also home to the Dr. Margaret A. Newman Center for Nursing Theory and is recognized by the National League for Nursing as a Center of Excellence.
College of Nursing Dean Wendy Likes, PhD, DNSc, APRN, FAAN, FAANP, said, “We are honored that our executive associate dean serves as the president of this important organization supporting nursing science. We are also honored to host this event in Memphis. We look forward to the conference and hearing from national experts on the work they are doing in advancing our profession and improving health outcomes for our communities.”
In 2023, 13.5 million people visited the Bluff City, according to the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau. The organization estimates the economic impact of the SNRS conference will be $318,725.
The Southern Nursing Research Society is a professional organization dedicated to supporting nurse researchers throughout their career. The organization was founded in 1986 with the vision of transforming nursing research through education, collaboration, and networking throughout the 14 states it represents in the southern region. The states represented are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.