Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation

The Department of Nursing Research under the Baystate Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation, led by nurses, prioritizes the advancement of nursing science through evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and research.

Our Mission

Our mission is to enhance patient health and well-being while improving the nursing work environment.

• Partner with nurses at all levels of education and across all clinical areas to integrate evidence-based practice into bedside care.
• Engage nurses in leading quality improvement initiatives and driving nurse-led innovation.
• Empower nurses to incorporate holistic nursing practices and promote research into complementary treatment modalities.
• Advance research in understanding nursing work and improving nurses' work environment.

Advancing Nursing Through Research, Innovation, and Holistic Practice

Baystate nursing research conducts research in three main foci:

• Nurse-Driven Innovation. In collaboration with UMass Amherst’s Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation, Baystate Nursing Research is supporting innovations in technology, medical devices, and patient care. We believe that nurses should play an integral role in product development and system design. Our team is conducting research investigating the accuracy and use of IV infusion pumps, exploring the use of robotic technologies, and addressing excessive noise on hospital units. We have also supported efforts to develop several medical devices, including a novel chest tube holder and defibrillator handle. Read the UMass Amherst EMCNEI report.
• Holistic Nursing Practice. Our department is committed to promoting and improving holistic nursing practice. Holistic nursing care incorporates complementary treatment modalities that can increase patients’ comfort and satisfaction, decrease pain and anxiety, and improve overall well being. As part of this mission, our team is investigating nurse-led aromatherapy and use of the M-technique. We have also supported efforts to educate and certify bedside nurses in holistic nursing care.
• Nursing Work & Work Environment. Our work also focuses on expanding knowledge of nursing work and the inpatient work environment. We have completed research illuminating the complexity of nursing work, including nurses’ role in patient flow management, emergency triage, and ethical advocacy. Our team leads ongoing programs of research in interruption management, advanced nursing certification, ethical decision-making, nursing prioritization, work unpredictability, and nurses’ perceived workload.

Nursing Research Fellowship Program in Partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

The Department of Nursing Research at Baystate Medical Center has a rigorous Nursing Research Fellowship Program hosted by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). The fellowship program is designed to increase nurses’ understanding and skills in conducting small research projects at Baystate Medical Center. Through mentorship from nurse scientists Cidalia Vital, PhD, RN, CNL, CRRN; Karen Giuliano, PhD, RN; and Ellen Smithline, PhD, RN, CEN, each fellow has written a research proposal, submitted to the Institutional Review Board and conducted their research study.

Nursing Grand Rounds

Nursing Grand Rounds is a monthly educational initiative designed to provide nurses with valuable learning opportunities on a diverse array of topics. These sessions are accessible virtually and in person to nurses, nursing students, and other healthcare professionals.

Given the ever-evolving nature of nursing care, it is crucial for nurses to engage in continuous education to refine their clinical skills and stay updated with the latest practices. Nursing Grand Rounds aims to support this ongoing professional development by offering presentations that cover current trends, innovative practices, and evidence-based research.

The primary objectives of Nursing Grand Rounds are to:

1. Enhance Nursing Practice
2. Improve Patient Outcomes
3. Elevate Patient Experience

By participating in Nursing Grand Rounds, nurses can ensure they remain at the forefront of their profession, continually advancing their practice and contributing to improving healthcare delivery.

See our Grand Rounds

Baystate nursing research is proud to have received funding and external recognition for our work.

• Learning Health System
• ICU Medical 
• Daisy Foundation grant
• Sigma Theta Tau - Beta Zeta Chapter
• ECNEI Pilot Study grant 2024 and 2025
• University of Massachusetts 2025 Distinguished Community Partner Award

Nurse Scientists in Action

What is a Nurse Scientist? They help create a culture of inquiry, advocate for continuing education with an application to practice and innovation and lastly, nurse scientists conduct their own research (Vessey, McCabe & Lullof, 2017). At Baystate, nursing research studies are in full action, and the nursing research team is working in the simulation laboratory, completing a research study with new graduate nurses. Photo: Nursing Research Team from left to right: Cidalia Vital, Hoon Lee, Caitlyn O’Connor and Sue Scott in the simulation lab working on their research study.

If you are interested in what the department is working on, please reach out to Cidalia Vital, Nurse Scientist and Program Director for Nursing Research.