Nurses Maria-Feliza Funtanilla, RN, Ruth McGrotty, RN, Alexandra Vilmenay, MS, RN, and Bertha Lee, RN, presented their research studies at BWH Research Day on Nov. 21. The studies were made possible through the Haley Nurse Scientist Program established with the Department of Nursing and the Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing through the generosity of Steven and Kathleen Haley.

They shared riveting data on a variety of studies, all of which focused on improving the care of hospitalized patients. Vilmenay spoke about a poorly understood issue in medicine-depression in hospitalized pregnant women.

“One in five women have symptoms of depression during pregnancy, and when untreated, this can cause serious risks for a woman and her baby,” she said. Vilmenay shared information about the study that took place in the Connors Center for Women and Newborns to better identify and screen patients, and to educate staff about perinatal mood disorders.