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 by 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 both 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 of 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 the
continuum of 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.
As we embrace Laurie Connors's expertise and leadership, we look forward to the transformative
impact she will have on our nursing program and person-centered health care in our
communities.