College of Nursing
59 Research Reflection by Makenna Jones
Makenna Jones
Faculty Mentor: Jacob Steenblik (Nursing, University of Utah)
As a Research Associate (RA) for the Department of Emergency Medicine, I have gained extensive experience in patient screening, informed consent, database management, and data analytics. I am incredibly grateful for my program mentors, Kate Flynn and Marina Griffith, who have been continuously available to provide their expertise and guidance. The clinical research I took part of included patient screenings and surveys in the Emergency Department (ED) which emphasized furthering the ways in which the ED can better serve community members. Understanding the population that the ED serves provides essential data into understanding what services and resources are needed. Through the 211 study, I valued being able to connect patients to community resources that can help meet financial, nutrition, health, safety, and living needs. The naloxone study seeks to evaluate how the ED can serve as a naloxone distributor and educator for future patients, and directly connects patients with naloxone resources at the time of the survey. Increasing access to naloxone is vital to reduce opioid overdose deaths and empower communities to respond effectively in emergencies. Working in the emergency room requires compassionate decision making and empathy. Through interactions with patients who are seeking urgent medical care, I’ve learned the importance of intentional listening and seeking opportunities to provide support. As I pursue a career as a veterinarian, working on clinical research in the Emergency Department has further motivated me to continue to serve and uplift underrepresented and underprivileged communities.