Research College of Nursing is proud to share that Nicole Kreimer, DNP, MSN, RN, PHNA-BC, Assistant Professor, has been published in Missouri Nurse, the official publication of the Missouri Nurses Association.
Her article, “Nurses’ Role in Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability,” examines the growing importance of environmental considerations in healthcare and highlights the role nurses play in addressing them. The piece discusses how nursing professionals can contribute to more sustainable healthcare systems through everyday clinical practice, waste reduction efforts, and leadership in environmentally responsible initiatives.
Dr. Kreimer’s work contributes to an important and evolving area of nursing practice, emphasizing the connection between patient care and environmental stewardship.
We are proud to see her scholarship recognized in a national nursing publication.
Read the full article here:
https://www.myamericannurse.com/nurses-role-in-waste-management-and-environmental-sustainability/
Congratulations to the students in our baccalaureate nursing program who earned a place on the Spring 2026 Honor Roll. These students achieved a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while maintaining full‑time status in a challenging nursing curriculum.
Their dedication, resilience, and commitment to academic excellence reflect the high standards of Research College of Nursing. We are proud to recognize their outstanding achievements.
- Maryan Abdi
- Sarah Abrams
- Parker Adams
- Ibtihal Ali
- Baraa Alkhadra
- Geneva Allen
- Isebella Anders
- Penelope Anderson
- Michale Ashberger
- Kaitlyn Assel
- Ana Avitia
- Layne Ayers
- Gabriella Bailey
- Robert Bakh
- Lakshita Basnet
- Taylor Batson
- Emily Beans
- Lily Bell
- Sarah Benkhadra
- Moriah Bickle
- Blake Bills
- Tessa Bisges
- Mackenzie Blankenship
- Alice Booth
- J’Aire Bozeman
- Erin Buckner
- Timothy Burke
- Brenda Campos Valiente
- Chloe Carmen
- Kristen Clinkenbeard
- Amelia Couture
- Alexia Cox
- Valerie Craft
- Ryen Cravens
- Lisa Creek
- Koy Crockett
- Christian Crossette
- Abigail Cunningham
- Diego Dale Gonzalez
- Alexandria Dalecky
- Zachary Davies
- Themara Desvergunat
- Alexis DeVore
- Emma DiNunzio
- Kate Duff
- Alexander Engram
- Lolah Enna
- Alexandra Feeback
- Clara Ford
- Caroline Foster
- Elysium Gary
- Alexis Gaussiran
- Kimber Gehrke
- Megan Geyer
- Joshua Gilliland
- Mark Guertin
- Sanjana Gurung
- Jacob Hamilton
- Zachary Happel
- Kelsey Harrington
- Margaret Haug
- Yurie Heard
- Nathan Heibeck
- Judith Hibdon
- Katie Higdon
- Ellena Hinck
- Peyton Hodges
- Kaisa Holum
- Emma Hoover
- Camri Houx
- Madeline Hughes
- Jackson Jennings
- Nia Jones
- Holly Joyce
- Yessenia Juitt
- Mackenzie Justice
- Catherine Klaske
- Drew Klusman
- Mikayla Knipp
- Cara Lawrence
- Jordyn Lee
- Fredrick Leonce
- Mary Lewis
- Brooke Little
- Kimberly Logston
- Ashlyn Long
- Bailey Lowe
- Layne Lynn
- April Maldonado
- Linsi Mashburn
- Brooklyn May
- Olivia McCarroll
- America McCoy
- Jane McDaneld
- Kaitlyn McGill
- Taylor Meyer
- Lillian Miller
- Gavin Mitchell
- Peyton Moeder
- Kylie Mooney
- Lexay Moore
- Walter Moore
- Logan Morales
- Piath Mourwal
- Lauren Muirhead
- Heidi Mull
- Haven Myers
- Armandine Nga Sawo
- Stevie Oitker
- Ainslee Oliver
- Godswill Opara
- Rachel Oppong-Amakye
- William Opsahl
- Aaron Phillips
- Carly Powell
- Avery Prather
- Raman Rana
- Lily Reeder
- Courtney Rittermeyer
- Jaimy Rockers
- Mina RosasOquendo
- Laney Rose
- Reis Scannell
- Melana Scharfen
- Hannah Schmitt
- Nicole Schumaker
- Asmina Smith
- McCall Smith
- Reece Smith
- Cynne Soria
- Jennifer Spangler
- Christina Spry
- Caroline Staebell
- Quincy Stanford
- Gabriel Stegner
- Savannah Steinberg
- Collin Stephens
- Phelicia Stevenson
- Taygan Summers
- Sara Tamayo
- Kuyumi Terada
- Jayden Thomas
- Jaime Thorpe
- Kira Tilden
- Molly Tucker
- Mackenzie Vochatzer
- Addison Wahlen
- Gabriella Waris
- Jonelle Washington
- Trent Weber
- Hyoyoung Wells
- Trinity Wheeler
- Bailey Whithaus
- Addison Williams
- Tonasia Williams
- Makynna Woods
- Anoush Zadoyan
Commencement was a beautiful and meaningful celebration of our newest RCoN graduates. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and staff, our students crossed the stage with confidence and officially stepped into the next chapter of their nursing journey. It was inspiring to witness their hard work, resilience, and compassion come to life on such a special day.
The ceremony also gave us the opportunity to recognize this year’s outstanding award winners. These students have demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic excellence, service, and commitment to the values of RCoN. Celebrating their achievements alongside their classmates made the day even more meaningful.
We are grateful for the impact this graduating class has already made and cannot wait to see the difference they will bring to the communities they serve.
DAISY Award for Outstanding Nursing Students:
The DAISY Award honors those who go “above and beyond” and make an extraordinary difference in the experiences of patients and their families.
Join us in congratulating our May 2026 recipient, Kelsey Harrington.
Theresa Chang Award:
The Theresa Chang Award is given to the student who excelled in the clinical setting and providing direct patient care. The recipient of this award is a student who values mentorship, and demonstrates exceptional selflessness, compassion, and excellence in nursing practice.
Join us in congratulating our May 2026 recipient, Lauren Muirhead.
Barbara A. Clemence Award:
The Barbara A. Clemence Award honors a servant leader who exhibits insightfulness, a willingness to be a risk taker, and someone who possesses a team-player mentality.
Join us in congratulating our May 2026 recipient, Cynne Soria.
The William V. Longmoor Values Award:
The William V. Longmoor Values Award honors the student who best exemplifies the mission and vision of both Research College of Nursing and Research Medical Center.
Join us in congratulating our May 2026 recipient, Holly Davis.
By Nicole Kreimer, DNP, MSN, RN, PHNA-BC
Part of the mission of Research College of Nursing is “caring for our community” and students, faculty and staff have taken that to heart. During the spring of 2026, Research College of Nursing has coordinated community service opportunities at Harvesters, Journey to New Life, Cross-lines, Happy Bottoms, and KC Farm School at Gibbs Road. When asked what opportunity she liked the best, student Jennifer Spangler (ABSN ’26) said, “My favorite place to volunteer was Journey to New Life, where we spent a beautiful, sunny day building a raised vegetable garden. I admire the organization’s work supporting women as they rebuild their lives after incarceration.” In addition to gardening, volunteers have sorted food, helped with farm clean up, and packaged diapers. So far in 2026, students have given 120 hours of volunteer hours to community service opportunities coordinated plus 363.5 volunteer hours in other volunteer activities.
When asked why they volunteer TBSN ’27 student Jonelle Washington said “It exposes me to the real needs of others and shows me the hard work required to ensure food and essential resources are accessible to those who depend on them,” and Cynee Soria (TBSN ’26) said, “Volunteering is another opportunity for me to help others but most especially people that need help the most. I’m someone who advocates for a holistic approach to health and being able to educate anyone I meet or provide services they may not otherwise receive fills my heart with warmth. It reminds me of why I became a nurse.” As 2026 continues, we look forward to caring for our community in many more ways and in many more organizations.
Last month, we celebrated an important milestone in RCoN history with the dedication of our new academic facility. This space was created to support how students learn today: connected, collaborative, and rooted in real-world experience. It expands our capacity, strengthens hands-on learning, and supports new programs built for the needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce.
This milestone brings exciting momentum for our students, our faculty and staff, our partners across HCA Midwest Health, and our Kansas City community. Inside this new building, confidence grows, compassion develops and nursing careers begin.
We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this possible and proud to continue our long tradition of education nurses in Kansas City.
April 8, 2026
Research College of Nursing (RCoN), in partnership with HCA Midwest Health, celebrated a ribbon cutting for its $36.5 million academic facility and the HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement, expanding access to nursing education and clinical training to help meet growing healthcare workforce needs in the Kansas City region.
Leaders from Research College of Nursing and HCA Midwest Health gathered on April 8, 2026, to commemorate the milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The 78,000-square-foot facility is located on the campus of Research Medical Center at 2110 E. Meyer Blvd in Kansas City, Missouri. The new building supports increased student capacity, strengthens hands-on learning, and provides space for programs aligned with today’s healthcare environment. The facility has already been in use, supporting students and clinical training, with the ribbon cutting serving as a formal celebration of this expansion.
Expanding Nursing Education for Today’s Students
The new academic space was designed to support collaborative learning, real-world application, and modern instructional technology. It enhances the college’s ability to deliver high-quality nursing education in Kansas City while improving the overall student experience.
The building includes:
- Advanced simulation labs designed to replicate clinical environments
- Interactive classrooms that support collaborative learning
- Hands-on training spaces focused on patient care
- Dedicated debrief rooms to reinforce clinical decision-making
These resources help ensure students graduate prepared to enter the workforce with confidence and practical experience.
Strengthening the Nursing Workforce in Kansas City
The facility brings together Research College of Nursing and the HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement in one location, creating a direct connection between education and clinical practice while supporting healthcare workforce development in Missouri.
Research College of Nursing focuses on preparing nursing students, while the Center for Clinical Advancement supports new graduates and experienced nurses as they transition into practice and continue building their skills.
“This is an investment in our community and in the future of healthcare,” said Keith Zimmerman, President of HCA Midwest Health. “Expanding access to education and training helps ensure we are preparing a strong, capable workforce for the region.”
Supporting Clinical Training and Career Growth
The Center for Clinical Advancement provides ongoing training and development opportunities, including support for nurses entering the profession and resources for experienced clinicians looking to advance their skills.
The use of consistent simulation technology across all stages of a nurse’s career strengthens the transition from education to practice and supports continued professional growth.
“The connection between the college and the Center creates an environment where learning and practice come together,” said Katie Bruels, DNP, RN, Division Chief Nursing Executive at HCA Midwest Health. “Students gain valuable experience, and nurses at every stage of their careers have opportunities to grow.”
Preparing Nurses for the Future
“This new facility reflects the direction of nursing education,” said Dr. Amy Townsend, President of Research College of Nursing. “Students benefit from both strong academic preparation and real-world clinical experience, which better prepares them to care for patients from day one.”
The building supports evolving programs designed to meet the needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s healthcare workforce.
A Continued Commitment to Kansas City
The opening of the facility builds on Research College of Nursing’s nearly 120-year history of educating nurses and serving the Kansas City community. It also strengthens its partnership with HCA Midwest Health, the region’s largest healthcare provider.
HCA Midwest Health includes seven hospitals and a broad network of care sites, with more than 10,000 colleagues serving patients across the region. The organization also invests in physician training through residency and fellowship programs, helping expand access to care.
A Milestone for the College and Community
The ribbon cutting ceremony on April 8, 2026, marked an important milestone for the college, its partners, and the community.
The new facility provides a place where students begin their careers, build clinical confidence, and contribute to the future of healthcare in Kansas City and beyond.
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.
March 19, 2026 – Research College of Nursing (RCoN) is proud to celebrate its distinguished faculty members recognized in the 2026 Nursing Faculty Development Awards presented by The Research Foundation. This year’s honorees reflect RCoN’s ongoing commitment to teaching excellence, scholarly advancement, leadership, and investment in the future of nursing education.
The annual awards highlight educators who advance academic quality, support student success, and contribute meaningfully to nursing practice and community impact across the Kansas City area.
Excellence in Teaching: Margaret Bjelica, DNP, ACNS-BC, CRRN
Dr. Margaret Bjelica was honored with the Teaching Excellence Award, recognizing her outstanding ability to create a supportive, effective, and engaging learning environment. Her contributions continue to strengthen the academic climate at Research College of Nursing and inspire future nurses to excel in both clinical practice and compassionate care.
Scholarly Achievement: Nicole Kreimer, DNP, MSN, RN, PHNA-BC
Dr. Nicole Kreimer received the Scholarly Achievement Award for her ongoing leadership in advancing nursing research, academic scholarship, and professional practice. Her work exemplifies the rigorous inquiry and innovative thinking that drive RCoN’s academic mission.
Significant Investment in Doctoral Advancement
The Research Foundation recognized multiple RCoN faculty members with Doctoral Funding Awards, supporting their pursuit of terminal degrees and further specialization. These investments strengthen the college’s academic excellence and ensure sustained leadership in nursing education.
2026 Doctoral Funding Recipients – Research College of Nursing
- Anne Batchelder, MSN, RN, RNC-NIC
- Charla Clark, MSN, RN
- Jill Morsbach, MSN, RN, RNC-MNN
- Ashlye Speer, MSN, RN
These educators represent the future of advanced nursing practice and academic leadership at RCoN.
Faculty Scholarship Grant Awardees
One Research College of Nursing faculty member were selected to receive Faculty Scholarship Grants, which fund short-term research and study initiatives that enhance faculty development and contribute to innovation in nursing education.
- Margaret Bjelica, DNP, ACNS-BC, CRRN
Her projects will further strengthen the college’s contributions to research, evidence-based practice, and academic advancement.
Advancing Excellence in Nursing Education
This year’s honorees demonstrate Research College of Nursing’s dedication to cultivating outstanding educators, supporting professional growth, and preparing the next generation of nursing leaders. The recognition by The Research Foundation underscores the college’s role as a leading institution in the Kansas City region.
RCoN celebrates these remarkable faculty members and their continued contributions to the college, its students, and the nursing profession.