Dear MNRS Colleagues,
Thank you so much for the opportunity to serve the mission and members of the Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS). My first year as President of the MNRS Board of Directors proved interesting with a global pandemic, travel bans, and a quick pivot to a virtual annual research conference. However, as researchers and scholars, we remained flexible, patient, and most importantly, resilient.
This past year also provided an opportunity for MNRS to review and analyze our mission and vision, survey MNRS members regarding valued membership benefits, and draft a guiding plan that will strategically ensure MNRS’s place as the premiere society that develops scholars, drives science, and leads innovation to improve the health of all people.
One of the most compelling outcomes from the strategic plan is the need for MNRS to focus on diversity. While the tragic death of George Floyd gave us a platform to speak to MNRS’s stance on anti-racism and inclusion, I encourage everyone to question what we can do to breakdown structural racism and ensure diversity within our organization and research. 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 science and ensure an inclusive culture where all members feel valued and respected.
MNRS continues to be the premiere regional nursing research society because of you – the 1,306 amazing members! The nursing research, implementation science and clinical scholarship produced by members of our organization has an exponential impact because of each of your contributions to science. MNRS is committed to growing to fulfill the needs of our members and as members are at the heart of what we do, your continued input will be invaluable to us as we move forward.
This past Spring, MNRS hosted a virtual conference with 998 attendees. “Advancing Nursing Research with Diverse Populations” was a timely theme, highlighted by the contributions of our keynote speakers, Drs. Shannon Zenk and Kathleen Delaney. We are working to plan another wonderful nursing research conference in Des Moines, IA March 24-27, 2021. We invite you to submit your science, nominate an award recipient, apply for a grant, and attend the 45th Annual Research Conference to enjoy the full MNRS experience.
The Foundation continues to grow to ensure nursing research has funding available to support developing nursing scientists. MNRS grants are highly competitive and seed compelling research projects. Be sure to watch the MNRS website and social media accounts for opportunities to support the MNRS Foundation fundraising initiatives.
Recent past presidents, Drs. Sue Rawl and Janean Holden, have often shared that strong and effective volunteers are the lifeblood of MNRS. We depend on and appreciate the contributions of busy volunteers to make this society successful.
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve and lead this great nursing research society.
Cindy Anderson, PhD, RN, APRN-CNP, ANEF, FAHA, FNAP, FAAN
President, Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)