UCLA School of Nursing Listening Exercise

Attendees at the chancellor’s Listening Exercise for the UCLA School of Nursing on March 14, 2025 expressed a range of hopes and concerns for the future of the institution and their work. They emphasized the vital role nurses play in the health care system, highlighting their dedication, compassion, and talent. There were calls for greater recognition and collaboration between the School of Nursing and other departments within UCLA, as they felt their contributions were sometimes overlooked.

Attendees also discussed the need to foster an inclusive and connected community. They emphasized the importance of clear communication and sharing impactful stories of the School of Nursing’s faculty and students in order to showcase their value and remind broader audiences of their contributions to health care and society.

Financial concerns, particularly the potential impact of reduced NIH research funding, were also raised. Attendees sought guidance on how to mitigate these challenges and ensure the continued success of research endeavors. Finally, the need for leadership in promoting health and well-being within the community was highlighted.

Attendees looked for guidance on how to elevate the profile of nursing within UCLA and create a more supportive and collaborative environment.

Themes

• Recognition and Appreciation for Nursing: Discussion touched upon the vital role nurses play in health care and the need for greater recognition of their contributions. One speaker noted that nurses are the glue of the health care system. 
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI): The importance of fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity within the institution was highlighted. 
• Communication and Public Perception: One speaker described the need to strengthen communications within the School of Nursing, as well as the need for more effective communication to highlight the value of nursing and research to the public. 
• Bureaucracy and Streamlining Processes: Discussion focused on reducing bureaucratic hurdles and streamlining processes to support research and innovation. 
• Federal Funding: Concerns were raised about the impact of reduced federal funding for research, particularly from the NIH. The need for bridge funding to support researchers during periods of funding uncertainty was also discussed, as was the need for adequate support and resources to enable faculty to conduct impactful research.
• Evidence-Based Practice and Misinformation: The role of nurses in promoting evidence-based practice and combating misinformation in the digital age was discussed.
• Community Engagement: Speakers pointed out the potential for the School of Nursing to contribute to the health and well-being of the community through research and outreach. 
• Elevating the Profile of Nursing: A speaker noted a desire to elevate nursing and give it greater prominence within the university.
• Innovation and Technological Advancement: Discussion focused on the role of technology and innovation in advancing nursing practice and research.