Research
Advancing Nursing Practice Through Scientific Discovery
Nursing research improves lives and advances the nursing profession. Through scholarship that transforms healthcare delivery, education, and patient outcomes, WSU College of Nursing researchers are tackling the challenges that matter most to communities across Washington state and beyond. Backed by funding from both public and private sources, our researchers and scholars are recognized experts working at the leading edge of their fields. Research priorities include: Health Access & Outcomes, Symptom Management & Behavioral Health, Environmental Health & Resilience, Environmental Health & Resilience, and Workforce Science, Education & Policy.
Targeted Research
Health Access & Outcomes
Ensuring every community has the opportunity for good health is a leading priority at WSU College of Nursing. Our faculty develop and evaluate innovative interventions to improve healthcare access, particularly in rural areas where the nursing shortage is most acute.
Symptom Management & Behavioral Health
Faculty pursue interdisciplinary research to improve quality of life for people managing mental health conditions and chronic illness, with a focus on older adults, chronic pain, and substance use. Digital health tools and other technologies are tested to relieve symptom burdens and support healthy behaviors.
Environmental Health & Resilience
Weather extremes pose a growing threat to human health, often hitting hardest in communities already facing added strain. Faculty are researching solutions rooted in Indigenous health and sovereignty, energy resilience, and adaptation to heat and wildfire smoke — concerns of particular importance across the Western region.
Workforce Science, Education & Policy
Faculty study the health, safety, competencies, and performance of workers across education, industry, and practice settings, including research focused on the pre- and post-licensure nursing workforce itself.
