Dr. Diana Layne | Nursing Workforce | Best Researcher Award
Assistant Professor at Medical University of South Carolina | United States
Diana M. Layne, PhD, RN, CPHQ, is an accomplished nursing scientist and educator whose work exemplifies excellence in research, mentorship, and clinical innovation. As an assistant professor, she leads interdisciplinary research projects focused on dementia care, palliative interventions, patient safety, and resilience in healthcare teams. Her extensive publication record includes empirical studies, integrative reviews, and manuscripts that mentor emerging researchers, demonstrating both scholarly rigor and dedication to developing future healthcare leaders. Dr. Layne has successfully secured competitive research funding and translates findings into practical applications, improving patient outcomes and healthcare quality. She is highly active in presenting her work at national and international conferences, fostering collaboration and knowledge dissemination. Her professional expertise integrates clinical insight, quality improvement, and evidence-based research, positioning her as a thought leader in nursing science. Dr. Layne’s contributions have a meaningful impact on nursing education, practice, and policy, making her a distinguished researcher in her field.
Professional Profile
Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile
Education
Diana M. Layne possesses a strong academic foundation in nursing, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University. She further advanced her expertise by completing a PhD in Nursing Science at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she developed a deep understanding of healthcare quality, patient safety, and nursing research methodologies. Throughout her education, Dr. Layne gained exposure to clinical practice, quality improvement initiatives, and healthcare administration, which informed her evidence-based approach to research. Her academic training was complemented by professional certifications, including Registered Nurse licensure, Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, reflecting her commitment to integrating clinical practice with system-level improvements. She also engaged in numerous professional development programs and continuing education opportunities, such as dementia palliative care training, digital accessibility, and faculty career development, equipping her with both the theoretical and practical skills needed to lead innovative research projects and contribute meaningfully to nursing education and patient care.
Experience
Diana M. Layne has extensive experience spanning clinical practice, administration, and academia. She began her career in bedside nursing, working in cardiac intermediate and post-anesthesia care units, gaining hands-on clinical insight and understanding patient care dynamics. She transitioned into quality improvement roles, serving as a Quality Nurse Specialist and Manager in peer review and quality programs, where she led initiatives to enhance patient safety and healthcare outcomes. In academia, Dr. Layne currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, where she also led the PhD program as faculty. Her experience combines teaching, mentoring, and research leadership, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, development of nursing scholars, and integration of evidence-based practices into clinical and educational settings. She has presented nationally and internationally, highlighting her expertise and commitment to advancing nursing science and fostering resilient healthcare teams.
Research Focus
Dr. Diana M. Layne’s research centers on improving patient care, healthcare workforce resilience, and the quality of nursing practice. She investigates interventions for dementia care, palliative care, and caregiver support, emphasizing evidence-based strategies that enhance holistic care for vulnerable populations. Her work also examines negative behaviors and incivility in healthcare and academic settings, exploring their impact on patient safety, team resilience, and professional well-being. Dr. Layne integrates technology, such as telehealth and virtual reality, into her studies to create innovative solutions for nursing education and clinical practice. She mentors students in research, fostering the next generation of nursing scholars, and disseminates findings through high-impact publications, presentations, and workshops. Her research is characterized by interdisciplinary collaboration, translation of findings into practice, and a commitment to both improving healthcare delivery and supporting the professional growth and well-being of nurses.
Award and Honor
Diana M. Layne has been recognized for her excellence in research, teaching, and leadership throughout her career. She received the SC Palmetto Gold Award, highlighting her contributions to healthcare quality and nursing practice. As an Early Career Research Faculty Fellow at the College of Nursing, she demonstrated exceptional promise in advancing nursing research and mentoring emerging scholars. Dr. Layne has earned accolades for her presentations, including first-place podium recognition at national quality improvement symposia. Her professional certifications and continuing education, including Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, underscore her commitment to advancing healthcare excellence. These awards and recognitions reflect her sustained dedication to scholarly rigor, innovative research, and improving patient care outcomes, establishing her as a leader in nursing science and a role model for faculty, students, and colleagues in the healthcare community.
Publication Top Notes
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Title: Caring While Moving: Case Studies on Physical Activity and Dementia Caregiver Well-Being
Year: 2025 -
Title: Healthcare Team Resilience during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study
Year: 2024 -
Title: Experiences with Negative Behavior and Incivility: Perspectives of Unlicensed Assistive Personnel and Registered Nurses
Year: 2024 -
Title: Palliative Care Coordination Interventions for Caregivers of Community-Dwelling Individuals with Dementia: An Integrative Review
Year: 2024 -
Title: Disruptive Academic Behaviors: The Dance Between Emotional Intelligence and Academic Incivility
Year: 2023 -
Title: A National Survey of Nursing Faculty Resilience, Moral Courage, and Purpose
Year: 2023 -
Title: A Systematic Concept Analysis of Healthcare Team Resilience in Times of Pandemic Disasters
Year: 2022 -
Title: An Analysis of the Perceptions of Incivility in Higher Education
Year: 2022 -
Title: Symptom Assessment in the Home Environment Using a Technology-Enhanced Self-Management Intervention in Adults with COPD and Dyspnea
Year: 2022 -
Title: The Effect of Academic Nurse Leaders’ Toxic Behaviors
Year: 2022 -
Title: A Qualitative Protocol to Examine Resilience Culture in Healthcare Teams during COVID-19
Year: 2021
Conclusion
Diana M. Layne is a highly accomplished nursing researcher whose work spans clinical practice, quality improvement, and academic scholarship. Her research addresses critical issues such as dementia care, palliative interventions, healthcare team resilience, and the impact of negative behaviors on professional and patient outcomes. She demonstrates a consistent record of scholarly productivity, mentorship of emerging researchers, and successful translation of research into practice. Her publications and presentations reflect both innovation and a commitment to advancing nursing science and education. Dr. Layne’s combination of clinical insight, research expertise, and dedication to improving healthcare delivery positions her as a distinguished leader in her field. Her ongoing contributions significantly enhance patient care, workforce development, and the broader nursing community, making her an exemplary candidate for recognition through research awards and professional accolades.