New Zealand nursing leaders have paid tribute to American nursing professor Donna Diers for her impact on nursing research, practice, and policy.
The former dean of Yale School of Nursing and American Academy of Nursing “Living Legend” of nursing passed away in late February aged 74.
She was known for her early advocacy for nurse practitioners, for writing the first text book on nursing research methods, and the gathering of data to inform clinical and financial decision-making by hospitals and health services
As professor emeritus, she visited New Zealand and Australia on a number of occasions and worked with nursing leaders in both countries on research and journal publications.
TRIBUTES:
Professor Jenny Carryer, College of Nurses Aotearoa, executive director
Donna Diers was a nurse leader of extraordinary stature. She was a gifted thinker, writer, and speaker, and she had a serious passion for research. I got to know Donna about ten years ago and was fortunate to spend time with her at Yale University as a visiting professor and to host her here on several occasions. She shared with me her particular expertise in data mining and made it possible for us to trace the trends in nurse sensitive negative patient outcomes and their relationship to registered nurse staffing from 1989 to 2008. She was stunned that our country took so little interest in such findings. Donna had an amazing capacity to mentor people, and I consider myself deeply fortunate to have spent so much time with her.
Dr Frances Hughes, former chief nurse of New Zealand, currently Queensland chief nurse
Donna was a wonderful, inspirational colleague, and I was also proud to have her as a mentor and friend over the years. I first met Donna professionally when she came to New Zealand through her work with case-weights and DRGs (diagnosis- related groups used to classify hospital cases). Then in the late 1990s when I commenced my doctorate, which utilised a political science framework, Donna not only introduced me to nurse political scientists in the USA – Sally Cohen, Diana Mason, etc. but she became one of my doctoral supervisors. The journey with her and the people she introduced me to was an amazing time. Donna was a key support to me in the USA, not only on my doctoral journey but also my Harkness Fellowship in the USA for 2001 and 2002. In October, I was with Donna, and even through her illness, she constantly provided support to nursing. She was a living legend, and she has left a huge legacy.
Dr Anita Bamford, AUT senior lecturer
I first met Donna Diers at UTS (University of Technology Sydney) in 2000, where she was on the panel when we presented our research proposals. Recently, I was having a clean out and came across the feedback from the panel members. The most constructive and comprehensive feedback was from Donna. Donna made an enormous contribution to the profession and the practice of nursing, which was her passion in life. I invited her to work with the nurses when I was director of nursing at Capital and Coast District Health Board. Her gentle presence, sense of humour, and generosity in sharing her knowledge and passion were inspirational. Donna understood the New Zealand context and the struggles of nursing in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Donna’s speech at the AGM of the College of Nurses Aotearoa two years ago was once again an event not to be missed. Donna’s passing will be keenly felt, as she was contributing to the profession right to the end. She never really retired. Donna was a wonderful mentor and inspiration to many.
