Nursing students accepted to present at International Rural Nursing Conference

Three Lees-McRae nursing program students, Krystal Gutierrez, Maria Gonzales-Perez and Katherine Bentley, have been selected to present research during the International Rural Nursing Conference July 23–26, 2018.

The conference, which will take place in Nashville, Tennessee, is presented in a partnership between the Rural Nurse Organization, the University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing and the University of Kentucky College of Nursing.

Gutierrez will complete a podium presentation titled, “Rural Nursing: What Can Faculty do to Prepare Students to Provide Care for These Vulnerable Populations?” Gonzales-Perez will share her research through her presentation titled, “Educational Challenges in Rural Nursing.” Bentley will present her poster titled, “Women and Rural Health: Empowering Communities Through Health Literacy.”

The conference focuses on advancing rural health through “REACH,” an acronym for “research, empowerment, academics, clinical practice and health promotion,” according to the conference website.

Gutierrez said, “I wanted to advocate for students like myself that grew up in a city but moved to a rural environment. I have an opportunity to change real-world curriculum to better suit students from these communities.”

Dean of the May School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Dr. Laura Fero, said, “This is an exciting time for the May School. These seniors have achieved something special in their young professional journey. They have been asked to present at an international nursing conference based on the exemplary work they have done in conjunction with the school. We are so proud of their accomplishments as they elevate themselves and the school on the international stage. In May, all three will become alumni of a successful, collaborative and evidence-based nursing program.”