Current Activities in Nursing Research

A group of nurses recently participated in a pilot study examining the benefits of Tai Chi in older nurses.  The study, led by Mary Val Palumbo, DNP, APRN, director of The Office of Nursing Workforce, Research and Planning at the University of Vermont College of Nursing and Health Sciences, examined the effect of Tai Chi on the older nurses’ strength, balance, flexibility, and general well-being—including their perceived stress level related to work.  The study was coordinated by Hollie Shaner-McRae, RN, MSA.

The pilot study, which will be followed by a larger study, is part of a focus by the Office of Nursing Workforce on the retention of older nurses.  Nearly 80 percent of Vermont’s nurses are over age 40 and nearly 20 percent are over age 55.