Quinnipiac University

School of Nursing Our Work and Research

Our students are active in addressing one of the greatest challenges of the world today — access to quality health care. Nursing students, faculty and alumni are making a meaningful difference, locally, nationally and globally. They work side by side with caregivers in the community and also are proud to treat individuals who have served our country and their families. These hands-on experiences give them the experience and skill sets they need to succeed.

Supporting our veterans

Students stand at a table
School of Nursing students offers important services to area veterans
A group of Quinnipiac School of Nursing students shared their skills to help support Connecticut’s military veterans, while also learning from their interactions during a day of volunteering for the Connecticut Veterans Affairs Department’s annual Stand Down event.
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Community Engagement Program

The Community Engagement Program empowers communities to address injuries, cardiovascular health and violence prevention while promoting health education through lifesaving emergency skill training. The program also fosters meaningful partnerships and collaboration.

Learn more about the program

Falls Prevention Day

Quinnipiac Nursing student during a simulation lab involving a standardized patient.

Putting safety first

Every September students from the School of Nursing join forces with students from the Schools of Medicine and Health Sciences to help local senior citizens learn to prevent fall-related injuries. According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. The free annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day is held on the North Haven Campus.

Seniors visit a model apartment at Quinnipiac that is set up with fall risks, including rugs that aren't properly anchored or walkers that are poorly maintained. Participants learn about the importance of finding a good balance and exercise program; monitoring medications with health care providers or pharmacists; and having regular vision and hearing checks.

Driving awareness and change in nursing

Headshot of Tyler Traister

A book about caring for LGBTQ+ patients written by Tyler Traister, assistant professor of nursing at Quinnipiac, has been recognized by the American Journal of Nursing as one of its books of the year. 

“I am beyond humbled and thankful to the American Journal of Nursing for recognizing my book with this award,” Traister said. “Most professional nursing programs do not have enough time to provide the depth of content necessary to address LGBTQ+ patients' needs. My goal in writing this book was to help close this gap by motivating and influencing nurses to learn more about the population. This text will build readers' confidence and knowledge to exemplify care excellence to all patients.” 

“Tyler’s work is of critical importance to our healthcare system,” said Lisa O’Connor, dean of QU’s School of Nursing. “This recognition by the American Journal of Nursing will call out the need for all of nursing to learn more about how to care for this population. Having his expertise and enthusiasm in teaching our nursing students and colleagues how to better care for LGBTQ+ patients is an asset to our school, the profession and healthcare overall.” 

Read the full article on Quinnipiac Today

Recent Student Projects

Course projects enable students to learn through a combination of experiences. By applying knowledge and skills from different disciplines, students are able to challenge themselves through learning in a hands-on and creative way. Through self-driven or team projects, students are able to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Learn more about course projects

Professor breaks down the link between air pollution and mental health

Headshot of Kate Pfeiffer

Kate Pfeiffer, clinical associate professor and director of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program, has found a connection between air pollution and mental health. 

“Research has associated air pollution with brain changes and increased anxiety and depression. There is also evidence connecting air pollution exposure to increased risk for dementia and schizophrenia,” Pfeiffer said. 

Pfeiffer shared steps individuals can take to reduce exposure to harmful air pollutants. 

Read the full article on Quinnipiac Today

Publications and Journals

Our faculty members are practicing nurses with a wealth of clinical experience. They love what they do and also love inspiring that same kind of passion in future generations of nurses, encouraging their students through example to make their own contributions to the field. Faculty in the Quinnipiac School of Nursing don’t just remain current on innovative nursing practices and procedures — they have a hand in their creation. Professors regularly participate in grant-funded research, publish in numerous trade journals and periodicals, contribute their work to medical and nursing textbooks, and present their many insights at conferences and summits nationwide.

  • Journal of Clinical Simulation
  • Journal of Holistic Nursing
  • Journal of Nursing Administration
  • Gerontology & Geriatrics Education
  • Journal of Nursing Education and Practice
  • Advances in Nursing Science
  • Clinical Simulation in Nursing
  • International Journal for Human Caring
  • Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing

  • American Holistic Nurses Core Curriculum (2nd ed.)
    Sudbury, Mass.: Jones & Bartlett.
  • Simulation Scenarios for Nurse Educators: Making it Real.
    New York: Springer
  • Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice (6th ed.)
    Sudbury, Mass.: Jones & Bartlett.
  • Gerontological Nursing: Competencies for Care (3rd ed.) (pp. 50-73). Sudbury, Mass.: Jones & Bartlett

  • Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Careers in Nursing Summit
  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing
  • International Technology Conference
  • American Holistic Nurses Association Annual Conference
  • National League for Nursing Education Summit
  • Connecticut Sigma Theta Tau Collaborative Research Day
  • Clinical Nurse Leader Summit

Alumna Spotlight

Headshot of Lindita Vinca

Alumna launches non-profit for dermatology providers in the Northeast

Doctor of Nursing Practice alumna Lindita Vinca, MS ’12, DNP ’17, established the non-profit organization Connecticut Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Organization to inspire and empower providers with educational experiences, networking opportunities and a supportive community. 

Since its inception, the organization has achieved several significant accomplishments that have greatly advanced its mission to support dermatology advanced practice providers in the Northeast. Of these accomplishments, the Connecticut Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Organization has established annual conferences, creating a strong network of dermatology advanced practice professionals across the northeast region and providing continuous educational opportunities for providers to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements. 

Read the full article on Quinnipiac Today

Contact the School of Nursing

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