For decades, Suzi Burns has been a prominent voice in how to maximize clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients. She studies, she publishes, she speaks, she teaches and she gives direct care because she has made it her personal campaign to educate nurses about the complexities of mechanical ventilation.
Because of her background as a nurse and respiratory therapist she brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective in the clinical uses of technology. The Burns Wean Assessment Program was one of the first assessments of weaning potential to include non-pulmonary factors. As a result, it surpasses more narrowly focused tools as a predictive model and is one of the most commonly used weaning assessment tools in ventilator management. Her research has also confirmed improved patient outcomes and cost savings when advanced practice nurses manage ventilator care.
Ms. Burns' development of a strong nursing research program at the University of Virginia Health Center may be an even greater contribution to acute and critical care nursing. National experts credit her influence in the Medical ICU with creating a climate of clinical inquiry among bedside clinicians who continuously question the efficacy of their nursing practice and turn to research as a way of answering their own clinical questions. Her approach to mentoring bedside clinicians in conducting research has been extended to the entire medical center and is shared as a speaker and consultant across the United States.
