“I was drawn to the <strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nursing</strong> at the University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Minnesota</strong> because it had a strong history <strong>of</strong> leadership in nursing education and research.” erica schorr BSN-PhD doctoral research focuses on symptoms <strong>of</strong> peripheral artery disease by nancy giguere 14 minnesota nursing | nursing.umn.edu/magazine
As an infusion nurse with a home care agency, Erica Schorr, BSBA, BSN, RN, saw a wide range <strong>of</strong> patients, but she found the greatest satisfaction in working with older adults. “There’s so much stigma against aging, and older people need to be heard,” she says. Patient education is especially critical in home care, and Schorr discovered she liked teaching patients. Soon she was designing and leading in-service trainings for other nurses at the agency, and she found she liked that, too. sense <strong>of</strong> community “I realized I loved teaching and working with other nurses, and I was drawn to the <strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nursing</strong> at the University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Minnesota</strong> because it had a strong history <strong>of</strong> leadership in nursing education and research,” Schorr says. She considered both a Doctor <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nursing</strong> Practice (DNP) degree and a PhD. Because she was interested in teaching, and a research intensive university, she chose the PhD, with a focus on gerontology. Even before she enrolled, Schorr participated in the Gerontological <strong>Nursing</strong> Journal Club, a discussion <strong>of</strong> journal articles on cutting-edge research. Once she became a student, she found a warm welcome. “People here support you through difficult times and praise your successes. That sense <strong>of</strong> community is crucial for me,” she says. 1 solid research interest Schorr is currently working with associate pr<strong>of</strong>essor Diane Treat-Jacobson, PhD, RN, FAAN, on Exercise Training to Reduce Claudication (EXERT) study. This study focuses on exercise training to reduce claudication, which is pain or discomfort in the leg muscles caused by peripheral artery disease. “Working on the EXERT study has solidified my interest in research,” Schorr says. “It reinforces what I’m learning in the classroom about areas like research design and methods. It also gives me concrete examples to share in class discussion.” an exceptional student Treat-Jacobson, Schorr’s advisor, calls her “an all-around exceptional student.” She was twice chosen to be a Hartford Scholar, an honor awarded to outstanding graduate students who are focusing on nursing care <strong>of</strong> older adults and preparing to teach geriatric nursing. She was also chosen to participate in the Jonas Nurse Leaders Scholar Program, which supports doctoral education for future nursing faculty and prepares nurse leaders in a variety <strong>of</strong> areas including geriatrics. In addition, Schorr received the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award for Individual Predoctoral Fellows in <strong>Nursing</strong> Research from the National Institutes <strong>of</strong> Health/National Institute <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nursing</strong> Research. The purpose <strong>of</strong> this program is to increase the number <strong>of</strong> outstanding nurse scientists committed to research careers. Applicants are selected on the basis <strong>of</strong> their proposed training program and dissertation research. Her proposal was funded on the first round, a “rare occurrence” according to Treat-Jacobson. seeking connections Schorr’s dissertation focuses on the symptom experience <strong>of</strong> people with peripheral artery disease, using a combination <strong>of</strong> qualitative and quantitative research: interviewing patients about their symptoms and testing them on a treadmill. “I’m looking for the connection between what people say they are feeling and what’s happening physiologically. The result will be better assessment and diagnosis,” she explains. Schorr looks forward to a career that combines teaching and research. “I’m committed to the advancement <strong>of</strong> nursing science,” she says. 2 3 1) Schorr and study participant, Patricia Jones, during a treadmill exercise session. A near-infrared spectroscopy instrument is attached to Jones’ leg to measure changes in hemoglobin concentration. 2) Schorr shares results with Jones after her exercise session. 3) Using a Doppler ultrasound device, Schorr measures the blood pressure in Jones’ legs. Scan this QR code to learn more about the PhD program at the <strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nursing</strong> or go to www.nursing.umn.edu/phd. spring/summer <strong>2012</strong> 15
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