Tracey Couse, a Family Nurse Practitioner and PhD student at Augusta University’s College of Nursing, is focusing her doctoral research on improving stroke care, particularly for patients who have experienced ischemic strokes. Drawing from her background in neuro/vascular surgery and neurosurgery, Couse aims to advance both stroke-related research and patient outcomes.
“I love the program because it changes how you think, how you ask questions, how you solve problems,” said Couse. “It prepares nurses to be leaders, collaborators and innovators.”
Her research explores remote ischemic conditioning (RIC), a non-invasive method that briefly reduces blood flow to the arm in order to trigger protective responses in other parts of the body such as the brain. The study will measure brain oxygen levels before and after two weeks of daily RIC treatment using near-infrared spectroscopy.
“My goal is to advance stroke related research and patient care,” she said. “The diagnosis of a stroke is so life changing, and treatments are so time sensitive. There are still very few interventions after decades of research.”
Couse works closely with neurologist Dr. Askiel Bruno on enrolling ischemic stroke patients for this project. She is preparing to defend her proposal before her advisory committee—chaired by Dr. Terri Marin—and plans to begin data collection during the summer in Augusta.
“There are still gaps in its use for the clinical setting, but I’m looking for more information to transfer this process from the bench side to the bedside,” Couse said.
In addition to her studies, Couse has transitioned into academia as a full-time faculty member at Kennesaw State University while continuing part-time PhD coursework online.
“I enjoy combining my clinical and research backgrounds to teach future nurses,” she said.
Couse appreciates the flexibility offered by online courses which allow her to balance full-time work with academic commitments.
“I’m very routine driven, which helps me stay focused and on track. Working full time, most of my course work is done in the evenings and on the weekends,” said Couse. “They are highly supportive, and my advisor is always there to help guide me and make sure my plans are solid and achievable.”
She also aims for multiple scholarly publications from her dissertation work: “I’m hoping for five publications from my PhD work. I will publish my literature review, my methodology and my results, at the very least.”
Participation in university events allows Couse to present findings and receive feedback as she develops expertise in communicating scientific ideas clearly. Looking ahead post-graduation, she intends to pursue a tenure-track position while maintaining part-time involvement with stroke patient care.
“Having a PhD doesn’t mean you have given up clinical practice. For me, it’s important to have contact with patients and make sure my work is patient informed,” she explained.
Couse encourages aspiring nurse researchers not be deterred by challenges: “The journey is challenging, but contributing knowledge that improves patients’ lives is incredibly rewarding. We get to create the evidence that improves practice and can even shape policy and healthcare systems,” she said. “The excitement of knowing what I can contribute to patient care is truly exhilarating. With the support from faculty and fellow students the process is manageable, so just go for it.”
