Laurie M. Connors, PhD, DNP, FNP-BC, AGN-BC, AOCNP, FAANP, FAAN officially began her new role as Associate Professor earlier this month. As a triple-board certified clinical scientist, she holds certifications as a family nurse practitioner and advanced practice nurse in genetics and oncology.
Laurie’s commitment to nursing science and translational genomics is evident in her successful NIH-funded research program and leadership role as past President of the International Society of Nurses in Genetics. Connors’s accolades include recognition as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and American Association of Nurse Practitioners; these fellowships demonstrate her enduring contributions to nursing and commitment to ensuring access and equity in genomic-informed health care.
Connors’ background showcases her expertise and experience in providing strategic direction in research and clinical growth, enhancing educational programs, and influencing policy to advance nursing and improve health outcomes. “Nursing is a profession where you are a lifelong learner,” she says. “Genomics has allowed me the opportunity to pursue knowledge and to assist individuals and families in understanding their genetic risk of disease and support their decision making for cancer care.”
Dr. Connors recognizes the importance of genomics in nursing practice throughout life, emphasizing, “Genomics impacts nursing practice across the lifespan from before birth to end of life. Nursing is the largest health care profession, and nurses must be prepared with the necessary knowledge and skills to participate in person-centered health care.”
The Translation and Integration of Genomics is Essential to Doctoral Nursing (TIGER) is Dr. Connors NIH supported research educational program that seeks to develop a community of doctoral nurses who can integrate genomics into nursing education, research, and practice. Through this program, nurses are better prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by advances in genomic science.
Connors is committed to bridging the gap between bench and bedside integrating genomic advances and findings into personalized health care. In her eight years at Vanderbilt University, Laurie developed and implemented multiple genomic and oncology courses, driven by her deep interest in hereditary predispositions to cancer that emerged during her decades working as a nurse practitioner in solid-tumor oncology.
We look forward to the transformative impact her expertise and leadership will have
on our future bull nurses and person-centered health care!