SUMMARY
The research of Susanne M. Cutshall, APRN, CNS, D.N.P., M.S., focuses on integrative and holistic nursing. She studies integrative therapies such as massage, acupuncture, acupressure and mind-body therapies in clinical practice to create a holistic, healing environment. Dr. Cutshall researches worksite well-being and the well-being of nursing staff.
Focus areas
- Identifying the effects of massage therapy for people hospitalized with surgery.
- Recognizing the effects of music in the hospital environment.
- Determining the effects of acupuncture for symptom management in hospitalized individuals.
- Establishing the effects of acupressure in people undergoing chemotherapy.
- Assessing stress and health behavior of nursing staff.
- Determining the knowledge, attitudes, and use of complementary and integrative therapies with nursing staff.
- Assessing individuals' interest in integrative approaches to palliative care.
- Nonpharmacological options in postoperative hospital-based and rehabilitative pain management.
Significance to patient care
Nursing is based on holistic principles and combines traditional medical care with least invasive approaches and healing therapies when caring for people. The scope of nursing education has always considered the whole person.
Nursing curriculums and practicums address the physiological, psychological, sociological, emotional, relational and spiritual aspects of human beings. Caring and healing have been a foundation of nursing practices that blend integrative and holistic approaches. These approaches manage symptoms, improve health and help healing. Holistic nursing principles also address the need to focus on care for the caregiver as a priority.
Professional highlights
- Unsung Hero Award, Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center, Mayo Clinic, 2017.
- Mayo Clinic Center for Innovation:
- Connect, Design, Enable Innovation Award, Sleep Enhancement Program in Inpatient Medical Units, 2015.
- Connect, Design, Enable Innovation Award, individual prehabilitation program, 2014.
- First Place New Researcher Award, Stress Management and Resilience Training with New Nurses, Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health, 2014.
- Health Information Resource Center:
- Bronze Award for "Preparing for Transplant: Body, Mind and Spirit," 2009.
- Gold Reel Award of Excellence in Media Communications for "Life after Transplant for Kids and Teens," 2007.
- Excellence Through Teamwork, Mayo Clinic:
- Team Award for Excellence, Healing Enhancement Team, 2008.
- Team Award for Excellence, Noise Control Research Team, 2007.
- Nominated, Team Award of Excellence Heartmate Ventricular Assist Device Team Order Set Protocol Advisory Group, 2004.
- Team Award for Excellence MB6D/E unit, 2001.