Phyllis Jean Verhonick
Born: May 26, 1922
Died: October 1, 1977
Parents: Peter J. and Leona K. Verhonick
Education:
Public Schools, Missoula, Montana
University of Portland, College of Nursing, Portland, Oregon, BSN
1944 Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, MA 1956, EdD 1958
Career in Nursing:
Columbus Hospital, Great Falls, Montana, Instructor, 1944-1945
United States Army Nurse Corps, Staff Nurse and Head Nurse 1945-1948
Seattle University, Seattle Washington, Instructor, 1948-1949
United States Army Nurse Corps, Staff nurse, Head nurse, Educational Coordinator, Nursing Methods Analyst and Clinical Supervisor, 1949-1958 United States Army Nurse Corps, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Department of Nursing, Assistant Chief for Research 1958-1962; Chief of Research 1962-1968
University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia, Professor and Director of Research 1968-1977; Acting Dean 1972-1974
Bibliography
Phyllis Jean Verhonick was educated as a nurse in Oregon and developed her knowledge of research at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York under the direction of Dr. Elizabeth Hagen. She further refined her research skills by working with Dr. Helen Bunge in the Institute for Research and Service in Nursing Education at Teachers College while pursuing her masters and doctoral degrees.
Verhonick was an early leader in advocating clinical nursing research and a strong proponent of research education at the baccalaureate level. She has been recognized nationally and internationally for her research in care of decubitus ulcers and the skin. Her great wish was for young students to develop an awareness of what research could mean for nurses. At the University of Virginia she taught a course on introductory research with great effectiveness. Many of her students have become productive nursing researchers.
Verhonick was active in many nursing organizations. She served on the Standing Committee on Research and Studies for the American Nurses Association and was the first chair of the Virginia Nurses Association Research Professional Practice Group. She served on committees with the American Nurses Foundation and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Nursing. She was a charter member of the American Academy of Nursing and later served as Vice President of the Academy.
Her honors are many and include the Legion of Merit presented by the U.S. Army for exceptionally meritorious service. Following her death, the U.S. Army Nurse Corps established the Phyllis J. Verhonick Award presented to an army nurse who demonstrates excellence in research that significantly contributes to nursing and improves patient care outcomes. The University of Virginia established the Phyllis J. Verhonick Annual Nursing Research Conference where an outstanding student receives the Verhonick Research Award.
