By Lisa Thompson
Dr. Lynn C. Callister, a professor in BYU”s College of Nursing, will be the only nurse from Utah inducted as a Fellow into The American Academy of Nursing November 15.
Callister is the second BYU faculty member selected as a Fellow.
“This is the highest honor awarded to a professional nurse,” said Elaine Marshall, Dean of the College of Nursing, in a press release. “Lynn is a tireless contributor to nursing. It is wonderful to see her recognized in this way.”
Callister began her research into the cultural aspects of childbirth 16 years ago when she worked to uncover what childbirth means to LDS women. Since then, she has collaborated with nursing colleagues in Finland and Jordan and conducted research in Guatemala.
“Dr. Callister is one of the few preeminent scholars in the field of cross cultural experiences in childbearing,” said Margaret Freda, RN, Ph.D. and FAAN of the Albert Einstein School of Medicine, in a press release. “Her work is of such importance that it is required reading for nursing students studying family nursing in many schools of nursing. Few other nurses in the world have achieved her depth of knowledge in this field.”
Listening to the voices of women and making their lives more visible is Callister”s favorite aspect of research.
“Giving birth is a significant life event with cultural, emotional and spiritual meanings beyond the physiological experience,” she said. “Women are strong, capable and incredible!”
Recently named a Fulbright Scholar, Callister will collect data this spring on Russian childbearing women in St. Petersburg in conjunction with the St. Petersburg Medical Academy School of Nursing.
Callister is also an advocate of mentoring. Patricia Ravert, an assistant professor in the College of Nursing and director of the Nursing Learning Center, said Callister mentored her when she began working as BYU.
“She”s a real mentor to new faculty, even when it”s not part of a formal program,” Ravert said. “She”s helped me in a lot of ways and answered many of my questions. It”s been great.”
Callister said she has worked with international colleagues who have had fewer opportunities than she has.
“Mentoring [these colleagues] in collaborative cross-cultural international research has been a blessing and an opportunity for all of us,” she said. “I have made important and lasting friendships. Also mentoring students, witnessing their growth, and helping them get their work published is so exciting and meaningful.”
