Center for Clinical and Translational Science

The Rockefeller University Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), the Heilbrunn Family Center for Research Nursing, and the Women and Science Initiative hosted the 17th Annual Beatrice Renfield Lecture in Research Nursing on March 25, 2025. Dr. Barry Coller, Physician-in-Chief of the Rockefeller University Hospital, began the event with a short tribute to Ms. Nancy Ellicot, Rockefeller University Hospital’s first Superintendent of Nursing, who established the standards for the practice of clinical research nursing and invented several novel devices to improve nursing care. He also discussed a recently published paper by the Rockefeller Senior Staff (Devine, Capili, Kost, Kreuger, Coller, 2024) focusing on trust and clinical research nursing. Dr. Coller discussed how building trust in clinical research requires a multi-faceted approach focused on ethical behavior, strong community relationships, and engaging clinical research nurses in every phase of the process.

Director of Nursing and Patient Care Services, Rita Devine hosted the program and introduced this year’s speaker, Kathleen Delaney, PhD, APRN, PMH-NP, FAAN. Dr. Delaney is a professor emeritus of nursing at the Department of Community Systems and Mental Health Nursing at Rush University College of Nursing. 

Dr. Delaney delivered an insightful lecture focused on addressing the pressing mental health challenges adolescents face today. Her presentation highlighted how youth mental health is a multifaceted issue requiring tailored interventions to ensure lasting change. Key points from her lecture emphasized the importance of social structures, family dynamics, and fostering cohesive school and community environments. These pillars play a crucial role in creating supportive networks for young people. The session also underscored the urgent need to re-imagine mental health services to meet the growing demand through a staged and comprehensive approach. By doing so, we can ensure access to care for all youth, no matter their circumstances. 

Dr. Delaney’s presentation concluded with a strong call to action: communities must prioritize sustainable initiatives that focus on evidence-based strategies, empowering local efforts to address the evolving mental health needs of young people. Together, communities can build a foundation of support that nurtures healthy futures for our youth. 

One hundred and thirty-four participants registered for the webinar, and sixty participants attended the in-person lecture, including representatives from the Heilbrunn Foundation, Rockefeller University Hospital Nursing Department, and Rockefeller University Hospital Administration. Two Heilbrunn Nurse Scholars were also in attendance. For those who could not attend the live webinar, a recording is available on the Clinical Director Network’s website: https://www.cdnetwork.org/research-nursing-educational-series.