Dear MNRS Colleagues,

Thank you so much for the opportunity to serve the mission and members of the Midwest Nursing Research Society.  I look forward not only to the next two years as President but also to the future of MNRS and the nursing research profession. With a global pandemic, travel bans, and another pivot to a virtual annual research conference, this past year has proven quite interesting but the members of MNRS have remained flexible, patient, and most importantly, resilient.

MNRS continues to be the premiere regional nursing research society because of you – our 1,360 amazing members! Whether you are early career, mid-career or in a senior position, MNRS has something for you.  Each MNRS member is important and valued and we look forward to your active participation in  the society and nursing scholarship. Nursing science  has an exponential impact because of you and your science.

In spite of the health crisis around us, MNRS has continued to grow and evolve including developing a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Group, launching a new strategic plan, and expanding our scholarly collaborations to systematically include our evidence-based and implementation science colleagues.  MNRS renamed the Research Interest Groups (RIGs) the Research & Implementation Interest Groups (RIIGs) and we all look forward to the work that can be done regarding improved patient outcomes when we partner the generation of new knowledge with the implementation of new practices.

Within MNRS, we want to focus on expanding membership and access to membership benefits to ensure representation across all demographics, experience levels, degrees, and institutions.  Now is the time to welcome a team approach to nursing scholarship and ensure an inclusive culture where all members feel valued and respected. MNRS’s mission is to develop scholars, drive science, and lead innovation to improve the health of all people and we know that a team approach to science is the best way to achieve our mission.

In fact, MNRS hosted a virtual conference this past spring focusing on “Team Science: Advancing Culturally Responsive Research to Improve Health Outcomes.” The theme was timely and highlighted by the contributions of our keynote speakers, Drs. Wrenetha Julion and Phyllis Sharps. We are working to plan another wonderful nursing research conference outside Chicago in Schaumburg, IL March 30 – April 2, 2022.  We invite you to submit your science, nominate an award recipient, apply for a grant, and plan to attend the 46th Annual Research Conference to enjoy the full MNRS experience. I look forward to being with you, to network and collaborate in person, next year.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve and lead this great nursing research society. MNRS has been an important and positive part of my professional journey (having joined as a doctoral student in the late 70’s!), and I want it to be part of yours as well.

With best wishes for a happy and productive year,

Kitty

Kathleen “Kitty” Buckwalter, PhD, RN, FAAN
President, MNRS Board of Directors