Dawn L. Denny

PUBLICATIONS (peer reviewed):

Denny, D. L., Lindseth, G., Ferraro, F. R., & Petros, T. (2026). Enhancing wellness and resilience of healthcare students from underserved backgrounds. Nursing Education Perspectives, https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001538 (Published online ahead of print April 27, 2026).

Johnson, S., Owens, R. A., & Denny, D. L. (2025). Moral distress: Exploring the experiences of rural clinic nurses. Nursing Ethics, 33(2), 465-487. https://doi.org/10.1177/09697330251387209 (Published online first Oct. 18, 2025). 

Sandhu, S. S., Denny, D. L., Owens, R. A., Jean, K., Liang, B., Fakir, M. H., Moreno Lozano, V., Molani, M., Labuhn, M., Vetsch, C., Tavakolian, K., Shaaban, R., Selvakumar, P. P. & Tavakolian, P. (2025). Evaluating alternating pressure air mattress effectiveness through measurement of skin redness and blood perfusion. Journal of Tissue Viability, 34, 3, 100904. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtv.2025.100904

Sanya, B., Denny, D., Owens, R., Lindseth, G., & Petros, T. (2025). Attitude and ‘self compassion and purpose’ as factors influencing nurses' intentions to engage in mindful self care in the perianesthesia setting. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2025.02.008. (Published online, 6/03/2025).

Lozano, V. M., Denny, D., Owens, R., Sandhu, S. S., Fakir, M. H., Molani, M., Jean, K., Labuhn, M., Vetsch, C., Hanson, D., & Tavakolian, P. (2025). Comparative evaluation of pressure distribution of three support surfaces used for pressure injury prevention during prolonged surgeries. Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnc.2025.02.003 (published online March 24, 2025 at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899588525000097?via%3Dihub)

Breckenridge-Trotter, T., Denny, D. L., Evanson, T., Ferraro, F. R., O‘Malley, P., & Bottomley, M. (2025). Stroke survivors’ and informal caregivers’ perceptions of depressive symptoms after stroke: an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study. Current Psychology, 44(10), 9312-9330. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-025-07580-x

Denny, D. L. (2025). Relationship between preoperative delirium risk classifier score and postoperative delirium symptoms [Abstract]. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 47(1S), 8S. https://doi.org/10.1177/01939459251327320

Owens, R. A., & Denny, D. L. (2025). Pre-licensure Nursing Student Perceptions on their Nurse Professional Identity [Abstract], Western Journal of Nursing Research, 47(1S), 10S. https://doi.org/10.1177/01939459251327320

Denny, D. L., Owens, R. A., Labuhn, M., Vetsch, C., Moreno Lozano, V., Fakir, H., Hanson, D., & Tavakolian, P. (2024). Pain and tissue perfusion among healthy adult participants with use of three surgical surfaces: A patient-centered approach [Abstract]. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 46(1S), 20S. https://doi.org/10.1177/01939459241233357

Trotter, T., Denny, D., Evanson, T., Ferraro, R., & O’Malley, P. (2024). Stroke survivors‘ and informal caregivers‘ perceptions of depressive symptoms after stroke: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study [Abstract]. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 46(1S), 36S. https://doi.org/10.1177/01939459241233357

Owens, R. A., & Denny, D. L. (2024). Prelicensure undergraduate nursing student perceptions on professional identity in nursing. Nursing Education Perspectives, 45(4),236-238. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001210

Denny, D. L., Lindseth, G., Petros, T., & Berg, J. A. (2024). Teaching statistics online: Competency-based learning vs traditional learning. Teaching & Learning in Nursing, 19(1),e170-e175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.teln.2023.10.008 

Juelich, J., Owens, R., Denny, D., Raatz, S. & Lindseth, G. (2023). Effects of sleep on adolescents’ appetite, dietary intake, and weight. Sage OPEN Nursing, 9, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1177/23779608231206753/

Yager, M., Clark, B. R., Gulley, N., & Denny, D. L. (2023) Delirium position statement. Orthopaedic Nursing, 42(3), 147-150. https://www.doi.org/10.1097/NOR.0000000000000940

Yager, M., Clark, B., Gulley, N., & Denny, D. L. (2023). Position statement: Delirium among orthopaedic or rehabilitative patients. Rehabilitation Nursing, 48(3), 87-90. https://doi.org/10.1097/RNJ.0000000000000413

Such, T. L., & Denny, D. L. (2021). Comfort and satisfaction among women who used different options for analgesia during labor and birth. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 50(6), 691-702. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogn.2021.07.001

Denny, D. L., Trotter, T., & Lindseth, G. (2020). Preoperative nutritional status and risk for subsyndromal delirium in older adults following joint replacement surgery. Orthopaedic Nursing, 39(6), 384-392. https://doi.org/10.1097/NOR.0000000000000710  [Awarded the NAON Teresa Pellino Research Writing Award, 2021]

Denny, D. L., & Lindseth, G. (2020). Pain, opioid intake, and delirium symptoms in older adults following joint replacement surgery. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 42(3), 165-176. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193945919849096

Trotter, T., Denny, D. L., & Evanson, T. A. (2019). Reliability and validity of the Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) as a screening tool for poststroke depression (PSD). Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 51(3), 147-152. https://doi.org/10.1097/JNN.0000000000000442  

Trotter, T., Denny, D. L., & Evanson, T. (2019). Evidence-based screening for post-stroke depression [Abstract]. Sigma International. www.sigmarepository.org

Denny, D. L., & Such, T. (2018). Exploration of the relationships between postoperative pain and subsyndromal delirium in older adults. Nursing Research, 67(6), 421-429.  https://doi.org/10.1097/NNR.0000000000000305

Denny, D. L., & Lindseth, G. (2017). Preoperative risk factors for subsyndromal delirium in older adults who undergo joint replacement surgery, Orthopaedic Nursing, 36(6), 404-413. https://doi.org/10.1097/NOR.00000000000000402

Denny, D. L., & Lindseth, G. (2017). Preoperative risks for subsyndromal delirium in older adults following orthopedic surgery [Abstract]. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 39(10), 1376-1377. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193945917715261l

Lindseth, G., & Denny, D. L. (2014). Patients’ experiences with cholecystitis and a cholecystectomy. Gastroenterology Nursing, 37(6), 407-414. https://doi.org/10.1097/SGA.0000000000000072  

Denny, D. L., & Guido, G. (2012). Undertreatment of pain in older adults: An application of beneficence. Nursing Ethics, 19(6), 800-809. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733012447015

SELECT PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS:

Invited Presentations:

Denny, D. L. “It’s all about the question: Research design”, 2023 American Association Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) National Virtual Conference (Oral presentation)

Kujath, A. S., Denny, D. L., & Fogg, L. “Working through the Research Process: A Hands on Approach to Clinical Problems”, selected competitive proposal for presentation at the 2019 National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) Congress, May 18-21, 2019, Atlanta, Georgia.

International/National:

Sanya, B. & Denny, D. L. (2025). “Exploring nurses' mindful self-care intentions using TPB approach.” (accepted for poster presentation at the ANCC National Magnet Conference and ANCC Pathway to Excellence Conference, Atlanta, GA, October 8-10, 2025).

Sandhu, S. S., Denny, D., Owens, R. A., Fakir, M. H., Jean, K., Lozano, V. M., Molani, M., Labuhn, M., Vetsch, Tavakolian, K., Hanson, D., & Tavakolian, P. “A multimodal approach to determining regions of interest when assessing APAMs (Dynamic Boundaries).” National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel Conference, SanAntonio, TX, February 27, 2025. (Poster presentation, 1st place Research category)

Molani, M., Fakir, M. H., Owens, R. A., Denny, D., Jean, K., Moreno Lozano, V., Labuhn, M., Vetsch, C., Tavakolian, K., & Tavakolian, P. “Effect of Support Surfaces on Sacral Blood Flow: A Comparative Study in Young Adults.” Symposium on Advanced Wound Care, Las Vegas, NV October 5, 2024. (e-poster presentation)

Sandhu, S. S., Denny, D., Owens, R., Fakir, M. H., Jean, K., Moreno Lozano, V., Molani, M., Labuhn, M., Vetsch, C., & Tavakolian, P. “Going beyond static regions of interest when assessing APAMs: The need for a nuanced approach (Dynamic boundaries).” Symposium on Advanced Wound Care, Las Vegas, NV October 4, 2024. (Poster & Oral presentation)

Denny, D. L., Owens, R. A., Labuhn, M., Vetsch, C., Moreno Lozano, V., Fakir, M. H., Hanson, D., & Tavakolian, P. “Tissue Perfusion and Pain with Use of Three Surgical Support Surfaces in Healthy Adult Participants.” National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses, Louisville, KY, May 18, 2024 (Podium presentation of poster, 1st place Research category)

Owens, R. A., Denny, D. L., Labuhn, M., Fakir, M. H., Vetsch, C., Moreno, V. L., Hanson, D., & Tavakolian, P. “Tissue Perfusion and Pain Among Healthy Adults: A Comparison of Three Surgical Surfaces.” National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel Conference, SanAntonio, TX, February 16, 2024. (Podium presentation, poster)

Moreno Lozano, V., Jean, K. L., Owens, R., Denny, D., Fakir, M. H., Labuhn, M., Vetsch, C., Jean, K. L., Tavakolian, K., Hanson, D., & Tavakolian, P. “A comparative analysis of three support surfaces: A preliminary analysis.”  Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Fall, Las Vegas, NV (Poster presentation, Nov. 4, 2023).

Owens, R. A., & Denny, D. L. “Evaluation of Undergraduate Pre-licensure Nursing Students' Perceptions on Professional Identity in Nursing: A Descriptive Qualitative Study”, Nuts and Bolts Nurse Tim Conference, Minneapolis, MN (Poster presentation, August 10, 2023).

Denny, D. L. “Considering Being a Peer Reviewer for a Journal? Tips for Effective Reviews”, 2023 National Association Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON), Pittsburgh, PA (Podium presentation, May 6, 2023).

Denny, D. L. “Research Design: It's All About the Question", 2021 National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) Congress, August 5, 2021, Virtual Congress (On-Demand Webinar presentation).

Denny, D. L. “Patient and caregiver experiences of delirium: Application of the process of completing a literature review”, 2020 National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) Congress, Pittsburgh, PA, May 25-28, 2020 (Pre-recorded virtual conference session).

Denny, D. L. “Nutritional Status and Risk for Delirium Symptoms in Older Adults Following Joint Replacement Surgery”, selected for presentation at the 2019 National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) Congress, May 18-21, 2019, Atlanta, Georgia. (Poster presentation)

Denny, D. L. “Postoperative pain and delirium severity in older adults”, selected proposal for presentation at the 2018 National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) Congress, May 21, 2018, Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Podium presentation).

Denny, D. L., & Lindseth, G. “Preoperative risk factors for delirium symptoms in older adults following joint replacement surgery”, selected proposal for presentation at the 2017 National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) Congress, May 23, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Podium presentation).

Denny, D. L, & Lindseth, G. “Postoperative pain and risk for delirium symptoms in older adults following joint replacement surgery” presented at the 2016 National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses Congress, May 23, 2016, Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Podium presentation)

Regional Presentations:

Sanya, B., & Denny, D. L. (2025). “Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to assess intention to engage in mindful selfcare.” Inova Resilience Conference, Fairfax, VA, May 1, 2025 (Poster presentation).

Owens, R. A., & Denny, D. L. (2025). “Pre-licensure Nursing Student Perceptions on their Nurse Professional Identity.” MNRS 2025, Indianapolis, IN, March 29, 2025 (Podium presentation).

Denny, D. L. (2025). “Relationship between preoperative delirium risk classifier score and postoperative delirium symptoms.” MNRS 2025, Indianapolis, IN, March 28, 2025 (Podium presentation).

Sanya, B., & Denny, D. L. (2024). “Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to assess intention to engage in mindful selfcare.” Inova 2024 Nursing Research and EBP Sympos

PhD (Nursing), University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND

B.S. (Nursing), Bethel University, St. Paul, MN

• Postoperative Delirium
• Pressure Injury Prevention
• Pain Management
• Outcomes following Orthopaedic surgery

Other areas of foci: Research Design and Quantitative Research methodology.

Program Director and Principal Investigator of the HRSA-funed Gero-STARR Program at UND (Specialized Training to Advance Retention and Recruitment in Nursing),  a multifaceted effort that seeks to increase nursing capacity at acute and longterm care settings in North Dakota. The grant include strategies to recruit nursing students from rural communities into the Gero-STARR program who agree to return to rural communities to practice through innovative learning model using a framework of the 4Ms of Age-Friendly Care, a dedicated mentor, generous scholarships and monthly stipends while in  the program., and preceptor training and incentives. The Gero-STARR Program training does not duplicate curriculum of the BSN undergraduate program.

Honors and Awards

• 2026, February: NPIAP Student Research Award (Sandhu, S., - presenter; Denny, D. - 2nd author) et al., National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel Conference, St. Louis, MO.(Oral & Poster presentation)
• 2025, December: Research Mentor, NIH-funded TRANSCEND (Translational Science Engaging North Dakota program). Mentorship Program | University of North Dakota
• 2025, May: Outstanding Professional Graduate Teaching Award (Nominee for 2026), UND Founder's Day.
• 2025, Fellow of NAON (FNAON), by the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses.
• 2025, February, 3rd Place Award, “Moral Distress, a Wicked Problem: Exploring the Experiences of Rural Clinic Nurses.” University of North Dakota’s Online Graduate Research Achievement Day (GRAD) Showcase and Poster Competition, Grand Forks, ND. (Johnson, presenter; Owens/Denny, Co-Advisors).
• 2025, February, Best Clinical Research Poster Award, “A Multimodal Approach to Determining Regions of Interest when Assessing Air Mattresses.” NPIAP 2025 Annual Conference, Dallas, TX (Sandhu, presenter; Denny, PI/2nd author).
• 2024, October, 1st Place, Excellence Award (Research Category), “Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to assess intention to engage in mindful selfcare.” Inova 2024 Nursing Research and EBP Symposium, Fairfax, VA, Authors: Sanya & Denny (Advisor).
• 2024, September, Listed in 2024 Marquis Who’s Who. The Marquis Who’s Who Editorial Team.
• 2024, May, 1st Place Poster (Research Category), “Tissue Perfusion and Pain with Use of Three Surgical Support Surfaces in Healthy Adult Participants.”   National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) 2024 Congress, Louisville, KY (Denny, PI/1st author).
• 2024, February, Abstract was selected for Oral Presentation at NPIAP Conference, “Tissue Perfusion and Pain Among Healthy Adults: A Comparison of Three Surgical Surfaces”, Houston, TX, Authors, Owens (presenter) Denny (Co-author).
• 2023, May, Award: Outstanding Contribution to NAON, National Association of Orthopedic Nurses.
• 2022, January, Outstanding Professional Graduate Teaching Award Nominee, UND Founder’s Day.
• 2021, March: Teresa Pellino Research Writers Award, National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) 2024.
• 2020, December: Excellence in Nursing Research Award, Sigma Eta Upsilon, Grand Forks, ND.
• 2020, June: NIDUS Alumni Boot Camp Award, Network for Investigation of Delirium: Unifying Scientists, Boston, MA.
• 2020, May: Excellence in Nursing Education Award, Sigma Eta Upsilon, Grand Forks, ND.
• 2020, January: Outstanding Graduate Faculty Teaching Award, Nominee, UND Founder’s Day.
• 2019, May: 1st Place Poster (Research Category), “Nutritional Status and Delirium Symptoms in Older Adults Following Joint Replacement Surgery.” NAON, Atlanta, GA.
• 2019, May: Distinguished Service to NAON Award. NAON for service on the research committee.
• 2017, April: Distinguished Abstract Award: “Preoperative Risks for Subsyndromal Delirium in Older Adults following Orthopedic Surgery”, MNRS, Minneapolis, MN.