Two Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) track students from The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing earned top honors at the 2025 National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) Annual Conference in March in Boston, Massachusetts. Arie Emde, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CCRN, and Jessie Smith, BSN, RN, CCRN, took home 1st and 2nd place, respectively, for the student poster competition.
Emde earned 1st place for her research poster titled “Just-in-Time Training in Critical Care: A Pilot Study.” Working with Clinical Associate Professor Carol Delville, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, FCNSI, faculty advisor and DNP mentor, Emde presented her pilot study on innovative methods for providing critical care education, emphasizing the importance of timely, on-demand training for health care providers in response to disasters and high acuity incidents. Emde, who is set to graduate with her DNP in May 2025, is also an active duty military student, bringing her experience and dedication to both her studies and service.
Smith secured 2nd place for her research on “Hardiness: The Hidden Armor Against Stress and Burnout in Nurses.” Also working alongside Delville and co-authors Sherri Cook-Rousey, DNP, APRN, ACNPC-AG, CNE, clinical assistant professor and Elizabeth Rohlich, DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC, clinical assistant professor, Smith explored how psychological hardiness can help buffer burnout and stress among nurses. Smith, who is also an active duty military student, will complete her MSN in May 2025 and her DNP in May 2026.