The Research Student Governing Board recently hosted a professional development event featuring Laura McDonald, DNAP, CRNA and Clinical Instructor for the University of Kansas Nurse Anesthesia Program.

During the session, Dr. McDonald discussed the steps required to become a CRNA, offered insight into the responsibilities and rewards of the profession, and provided detailed information about KU’s Nurse Anesthesia Program. She also answered student questions and offered guidance for those considering advanced practice nursing.

RCoN students made a strong impression at Overland Park Regional’s first‑ever Student Night, for an evening of learning, exploration, and professional connection.

The event was only scheduled for an hour, but the enthusiasm of our students quickly extended the night. Twelve RCoN students chose to stay well past the planned end time, as they toured the facility, engaged in conversations with OPR staff, and asked thoughtful questions about clinical practice and career pathways.

Throughout the evening, students explored different areas of the facility, including the emergency department and trauma bay, where they gained a closer look at the tools, workflows, and capabilities that support patient care. They also had the opportunity to speak with team members about nurse extern roles, shadowing opportunities, and residency programs, giving them valuable insight into what their future careers could look like.

The curiosity, professionalism, and genuine excitement our students brought to the event were evident. Their engagement reflected both their commitment to learning and their eagerness to explore the many possibilities within the nursing profession.

March 19, 2026 – Research College of Nursing launched its Women’s History Month programming with a Women in Leadership Panel highlighting accomplished nursing leaders from across HCA Midwest Health. The event offered students a firsthand look at the realities of leadership in modern healthcare, emphasizing professional growth, resilience, and patient advocacy.

Throughout the discussion, panelists shared perspectives on building confidence, navigating career pathways, and supporting both patients and clinical teams. Speakers underscored that effective leadership is shaped through daily actions and consistent professional integrity rather than formal titles alone.

Representatives from multiple HCA Midwest Health facilities participated in the panel, including:

• Amy Townsend, EdD, RN, CNE — Research College of Nursing
• Julie Filbeck, RN, MSN — Research Medical Center
• Ashley Garcia, RN, BSN — Research Medical Center
• Katie Murphy, RN, BSN — HCA Midwest Health
• Lisa Norder, DNP, RN — HCA Midwest Health
• Lindsey Goldammer, RN, MSN — Belton Regional Medical Center
• Ishani Akpovona, RN, MSN — HCA Midwest Health
• Theresa Kading, RN, MSN — Menorah Medical Center

The event served as both an educational opportunity and a celebration of the impact women leaders have within the nursing profession. The panelists’ commitment to mentorship and professional excellence continues to support the development of future nurse leaders within the RCoN community.

August 20, 2025

Kansas City, MO – Research College of Nursing (RCoN) — the region’s largest and longest-standing single-purpose nursing institution — today announced the appointment of Amy Townsend, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, as president. Dr. Townsend brings over a decade of experience in higher education and healthcare leadership to RCoN, which is consistently ranked among Missouri’s top 10 nursing schools by Nursing Schools Almanac.

In her new role, Dr. Townsend will lead strategic academic planning and oversee all undergraduate and graduate programs to ensure RCoN continues to deliver best-in-class nursing education, preparing the next generation of clinical leaders. The college currently enrolls more than 165 students in its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

A results-oriented nursing executive, Dr. Townsend brings over a decade of leadership experience in healthcare education, with a track record of advancing institutional effectiveness, fostering program innovation, and enhancing student and faculty engagement. She is recognized for her expertise in curriculum development, accreditation, and strategic planning across diverse academic programs, including nursing, radiography, occupational therapy, and nutrition. Most recently, she served as President of Cox College in Springfield, Missouri, where she led the institution through a strategic transition, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, and ensured program quality and accreditation standards were upheld. In earlier roles at Cox College, including Vice President for Student Nursing and Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, she directed successful reaccreditation processes, expanded program capacity, unified academic departments, and implemented data-driven systems that enhanced outcomes and operational efficiency.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for Research College of Nursing. In September 2024, HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider, broke ground on a new 78,000-square-foot Center for Clinical Advancement on the Research Medical Center campus. It is slated for completion in early 2026, coinciding with the college’s 120th anniversary. The $36.5 million investment in RCoN’s parent organization, HCA Healthcare, will support the college’s growth and long-term vision.

Since welcoming its first class in 1905, RCoN has graduated more than 6,500 professional nurses and remains a vital source of clinical excellence for the Kansas City region and beyond.

“Dr. Townsend’s deep experience in academic leadership and her forward-thinking approach make her the right leader for this exciting next chapter at Research College of Nursing,” said Keith Zimmerman, President of HCA Midwest Health. “As we continue investing in nursing education through the new Center for Clinical Advancement, her guidance will be key to ensuring RCoN remains a national model for innovation and excellence. We are proud to welcome her to the HCA Midwest Health family and look forward to the lasting impact her leadership will make on our students, our hospitals, and the communities we serve.”

“It is an incredible honor to join Research College of Nursing at such a transformational time,” said Dr. Townsend. “RCoN has a long-standing legacy of excellence in nursing education, and I look forward to building on that foundation to prepare students for the evolving demands of healthcare. Together with our dedicated faculty, staff, and community partners, we will continue advancing academic innovation, supporting student success, and empowering the next generation of nurses to lead with purpose and compassion.”

Dr. Townsend earned a Doctor of Education in Nursing Leadership from Northcentral University in Phoenix, where her research focused on the impact of transformational leadership on faculty satisfaction. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Nursing Education from Cox College, where she received the Academic Excellence Award, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri.

For more information on Research College of Nursing and its dedication to educating nurses, visit Research College of Nursing.

February 13, 2024

We sat down with three couples who chose Research College of Nursing (RCoN) to pursue their nursing dreams. Below, you’ll get to know our students and alumni, along with their inspiring nursing journeys.

Lucy and Sam Cannella are natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut, respectively. The two met at college in Ithaca, New York, where they earned their first Bachelor’s degree. The newlyweds enrolled at RCoN’s 12-month accelerated BSN program and began their nursing journey in January 2023.

Before nursing school, Sam worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT), while Lucy worked in marketing and advertising. She later got a job as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) for two years before nursing school. When we asked what drew them to our Kansas City program, Lucy said, “RCoN offered a one-year program and a competitive price, which was hard to beat!”

Accelerated BSN students come to RCoN with a wide variety of life experiences. Lucy made the career transition to nursing after a sibling was involved in an accident, which required a lot of care. Being there for her loved one inspired Lucy to switch careers into nursing. Sam loved his time as an EMT and enjoyed the patient care and critical thinking that came along with it. He opted to go back to school for nursing as well.

Coming from out of state, they weren’t sure what to expect. The Cannellas soon felt at home among RCoN’s close-knit community made exclusively for nursing, which they described as kind and welcoming, from the faculty to the students.

While earning their degrees together, the couple also shared the stage again at the induction ceremony as new members of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. On their path to practice readiness in 12 months, they enjoyed numerous opportunities to attend professional development sessions, volunteer in the community, and deepen their nursing skills.

“It was a great experience. It was actually our first year of marriage, so we put our relationship to the test,” says Lucy. “It was great having a built-in study buddy and someone you can talk to about things who understands what you’re going through, because they’re going through it with you.”

The Cannellas graduated from RCoN in December of 2023 and moved back east. Both Sam and Lucy recently accepted new grad nurse positions at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. Lucy will join their Med/Surg unit, while Sam will work in the Medical ICU. The couple plans to move into their new apartment in February and start their RN jobs on March 4, 2024.

Their dog Hudson has been with them through it all, but they say he’s excited to finally settle in their home.

“We made some great lifelong friends during our time at RCoN, who we are so grateful to have crossed paths with!”

January 26, 2024

Nurses have been recognized, for 22 consecutive years, as the Most Ethical Profession in the United States. Research College of Nursing is honored to be the region’s leading institution dedicated exclusively to nursing. Our graduates become leaders in practice, service and advocacy — upholding the ethical standards synonymous with the profession.

According to Gallup’s 2023 Honesty and Ethics poll, 78 percent of Americans believe nurses have high honesty and ethical standards. This ranking highlights the pivotal role nurses play across healthcare teams and the communities they serve.

“Our communities trust us to care for them and their loved ones during their most vulnerable times. This ranking proves that we continue to hold our profession to high standards and are trusted to do the right thing for our patients,” says Patton Rainey, instructor. “Hearing that nursing is ranked “the most ethical profession” to me reassures why I chose to become a nurse. Providing safe, timely, and compassionate care to all patients is what I strive to do. Nursing is unique because patients quickly become “family,” forming those patient connections is my favorite aspect,” says Emma Howell, student in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

We celebrate our exceptional nursing faculty who serve as leaders and role models for the next generation. We applaud RCoN alumni and their contributions to advancing health and health care. Looking toward the future, we recognize our nursing students for their commitment to excellence that embodies the nursing profession.

May 23, 2023

As a part of HCA Midwest Health, Research College of Nursing promotes an inclusive culture that embraces and nurtures our students, colleagues, and communities. This May, we honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month by celebrating the diverse histories, cultures, languages, and experiences of the AANHPI community. We are pleased to share the following alumni interview of Lucy Joo-Castro, PhD, RN, who has traveled the world and become a champion of community health, caring for marginalized communities.

Lucy Joo-Castro grew up in Shawnee, KS. Initially, on her path to law school, she earned a degree in political science from the University of Kansas in 1993. Her interest in healthcare grew following her mother’s passing from stage IV stomach cancer. Lucy enrolled at Research College of Nursing and graduated from the Accelerated BSN program in 1999 — making her among the first Asian graduates of the College.

After graduation, I had the privilege to serve as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps and was stationed at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. There, I met my husband, who was in the midst of his ENT residency. As dual active duty members, we had the opportunity to travel the world together.

Throughout my career, I gained experience in a range of specialties, including pediatric med/surg, pediatric oncology, ICU, postpartum, adult med/surg, cancer patient navigation, and education.

After the birth of our first son, I decided to transition to civilian nursing while my husband continued to serve in the Navy, which led us to live in several locations in the U.S. and abroad. One of our most memorable duty stations was Okinawa, Japan. Over the years, I pursued higher education, earning a master’s degree in nursing education and a PhD in nursing research. Today, I am proud to balance my roles as a mother of two boys (one in college, the other in high school), an adjunct nursing professor at the University of Guam, and the clinic manager for my husband’s private practice.

I have been living in Guam, a U.S. territory, since 2011. My husband, a native of the island, always wanted to return home and practice here, so I knew from the beginning that I would be practicing overseas.

I love my students! My students are curious and super driven. I especially commend those in the nursing program during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their ability to adapt and remain positive through multiple challenges was a true inspiration to me!

The COVID-19 study is a brief report, “No Man Is an Island”: Perspectives of CHamorus in Guam on COVID-19, derived from a larger study aimed at understanding the perceptions of the Indigenous people of Guam, the CHamorus, and how their traditional practices intersect with their present-day health beliefs. The broader study coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing an opportunity to investigate CHamorus experiences and perspectives on life in Guam during challenging times.

The broader research is titled, Locating Culturally Safe Care in Narratives of Historical Trauma and Health in Guam: A Third-Space Model of CHamoru Health, also published.

During my community health nursing rotation, I was mentored by nursing faculty Kathy Scaletty, with whom I still maintain contact! Kathy’s perspective truly resonated with me, as it underscored the importance of appreciating and learning from the community.

Her teaching was a valuable lesson that understanding population health requires more than just knowledge of disease processes, but also understanding the social determinants of health.

This lesson stayed with me throughout my nursing career and may have even sparked my interest in population health, particularly for marginalized communities.

Without a doubt, the friends I made during the program were the highlight for me. I loved that we all came from diverse backgrounds and had previous bachelor’s degrees. Not only did I learn from our faculty, but I also learned from my classmates, who were paramedics, respiratory therapists, biologists, and more! The camaraderie and collaborative environment were essential for me to make it through the program.

Having this recognition is significant, even if there were others before me who were not tracked. This speaks to the historical underrepresentation and lack of recognition of Asian Americans in academia, but, more importantly, it is a testament to RCoN’s progress in promoting diversity and inclusion. Giving a nod to the underrepresented and marginalized groups is important because it recognizes the challenges they have overcome. This can inspire future generations to pursue their dreams and goals despite any obstacles.

Personally, as an immigrant from South Korea, I am proud to be part of a community that has overcome many challenges and obstacles. My success is not just a reflection of my efforts but also of Asian American resilience, hard work, and sacrifices.

Professionally, this recognition underscores that my unique perspective and experience are valuable in fostering a more inclusive and collaborative environment. It reinforces the significance of diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Never say never! During my time at RCoN, I found Nursing Research to be my least favorite class. If someone had asked me back then if I had any interest in becoming a nurse scientist, I would have confidently answered ‘Heck no!’ However, as time went by, my perspective changed. I hold a PhD in Nursing Research and am a professor in this field, which I have come to love.

I encourage all undergraduate nursing students to approach each class and nursing experience as a stepping stone towards their ultimate nursing career.

Remember, finding the right nursing career path is often not a linear process, and every class or experience can provide valuable lessons. Keep an open mind and never be afraid to challenge yourself!