The importance of animal research to nursing science

Abstract

Two of the 79 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) recipients have been nurses, and both employ animal models in their research. The PECASE is the highest honor awarded by the U.S. government to young professionals in the beginning of their research career. Janean Holden, a 1999 recipient, was recognized for her study to map descending pain pathways from the hypothalamus to identify points at which medications or non-pharmacologic interventions might act upon pain transmissions. Pain is acknowledged as a high cost symptom in terms of both human and financial burden, and symptom management is a primary focus of care. Leslie Ritter received the PECASE in 2000 for her study that investigated the locations, mechanisms and clinical significance of platelet and white blood cell accumulation in the brain following stroke. As understanding of these inflammatory sequelae of stroke increases, interventions to diminish their role in brain injury can be developed to reduce functional impairment following stroke. Improving functional status is a primary focus of care. Such national recognition of research supported by the National Institute for Nursing Research (NINR) is a tribute to our contributions to the care of human health. Gayle Giboney Page is an Associate Professor and holds the Independence Foundation Chair in Nursing Education at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD.