“Children with externalized tunneled central lines often require daily infusion therapy.  The child’s caregivers are expected to provide the CVC care, however, maintaining a central line outside of the hospital setting is a complex process which requires constant vigilance on the behalf of the child’s caregivers in order to avoid life-threatening complications.  Mary Beth’s research is investigating the physical, emotional, and mental components involved in caring for children with central lines in the home setting.  With additional knowledge, specific interventions could be developed specifically for these children that would improve their long-term care.” – Linda Liu Hand, Director, Office for Nursing Research and Scholarship

• Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Faculty mentor/advisor:  Ann Marie McCarthy PhD, RN, PNP, FAAN
• What is your degree program and expected graduate date?  Nursing PhD Program-2025
• Please describe your research: Understanding the Pediatric Vascular Access experience for Children with chronic health conditions and the transition of care from the hospital to the home setting.
• In simple terms, why does this research matter? Children with chronic health conditions that require long term central venous access have many complex healthcare needs that family caregivers provide in the home setting.  Precise training helps prepare families to transition care to the home, but the experience of caring for the line in the home isn’t well known.  Better understanding the care required in the home setting can help the healthcare team improve the discharge/transition process to help support families when they are home.
• How soon after starting at the University of Iowa were you able to participate in research? I have been able to participate in research after my first year in the program.
• How has being involved in research made you more successful at the University of Iowa? Engaging in research helps me better understand the process
• What are your career goals and/or plans after graduation? I hope to continue to research healthcare issues that impact chronically ill children.  As a nursing practice leader at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s hospital I hope to continue to engage in team science to better understand ways to improve their care.

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