Jessica Rainbow inducted into Western Academy of Nurses
Jessica Rainbow, PhD, RN, an associate professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing, was inducted into the Western Academy of Nurses during the Western Institute of Nursing Conference earlier this month.
The academy recognizes and honors nurses who have been actively engaged in the institute and have demonstrated excellence in all aspects of nursing, from research to practice and education. Rainbow was inducted during the annual conference in early April.
Jessica Rainbow, PhD, RN
“It is incredible to join such an esteemed group of nurses from our faculty and the Western Region in the Western Academy of Nurses,” said Rainbow, who has been with the university since 2018.
Several of Rainbow’s colleagues at the College of Nursing are also members of the academy.
“Dr. Rainbow’s induction into the Western Academy of Nursing is a testament to her outstanding contributions to nursing research, education and practice,” said Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing. “Her work advances the field and exemplifies the caliber of excellence we strive for in the College of Nursing. With multiple faculty members recognized by WAN in recent years, this honor reflects the strength and impact of our college on the future of nursing.”
Rainbow said she found out about the honor over winter break when she received a text from Helena Morrison, PhD, RN, an associate professor in the U of A College of Nursing, welcoming her to the group.
“Through her groundbreaking work on nurse presenteeism and an unwavering commitment to bridging research, practice and education, Dr. Jessica Rainbow not only advances WIN's mission of health improvement but also cultivates future nursing scholars — achievements deservedly recognized by her induction into the Western Academy of Nursing,” said Morrison, who co-sponsored Rainbow’s nomination.
Sheila M. Gephart, PhD, RN, a professor and the interim chair of the Advanced Nursing Practice and Science Division at the college, co-sponsored Rainbow’s nomination.
“Dr. Rainbow has been an exceptional leader in nursing research in the West,” Gephart said. “Her induction into the Western Academy of Nursing recognizes her contributions to research and the education of PhD students in nursing.”
In her nomination letter, Gephart cited Rainbow’s funded projects and singled out Rainbow’s dedication as a mentor, “shaping the next generation of nursing scholars.”
The Western Institute of Nursing is one of four regional nursing research organizations in the United States whose members include researchers, clinicians, educators, students, academic institutions and health care organizations. According to its website, the institute’s mission is to improve the health of the public through visionary leadership in nursing research, practice and education.