Dr. Sunita Pokhrel, Bhattarai Ohio State University, United States.
Dr. Sunita Pokhrel Bhattarai, Ph.D., RN, is a distinguished nursing scholar and practitioner with a remarkable academic and professional journey. Her career began with an exceptional academic foundation in nursing, supported by prestigious scholarships. She transitioned seamlessly from clinical excellence in Nepal to advanced research and education in the global arena. Her doctoral research at the University of Rochester, focused on innovative methods for diagnosing acute heart failure, underscores her contributions to cardiovascular nursing. Beyond clinical practice, Sunita has excelled in academia, research coordination, and manuscript review, emphasizing her influence in the global nursing and healthcare community. Her accolades, including diversity and travel grants, reflect her dedication to excellence and equity in healthcare.
Profile
Scholar
🩺 Early Academic Pursuits: A Foundation of Excellence
Sunita Pokhrel Bhattarai, Ph.D., RN, began her academic journey with an unwavering commitment to healthcare and nursing education. From earning her Proficiency Certificate in Nursing on a full government scholarship in Nepal to completing her Bachelor’s in Nursing with a specialization in Community Health, Sunita demonstrated a dedication to academic excellence. Her early research on the knowledge and consequences of teenage marriage in Nepal set the stage for her future pursuits. This strong foundation was further reinforced through her Master’s studies in Emergency and Critical Care Nursing under the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, where she explored advanced cardiac life support knowledge among critical care nurses.
💼 Professional Endeavors: Leadership in Nursing Practice and Education
Sunita’s professional trajectory reflects a remarkable blend of clinical expertise and academic leadership. She served as a Registered Nurse in Nepal’s premier institutions, including Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, where she specialized in cardiac care. Transitioning into academia, she became a Nursing Lecturer at Purbanchan University, imparting her knowledge to future nurses. These roles enriched her understanding of healthcare delivery and education, enabling her to contribute effectively to the global nursing community.
🔬 Contributions to Cardiovascular Research: Bridging Practice and Science
Driven by a passion for advancing cardiovascular care, Sunita’s research focuses on acute heart failure and innovative diagnostic approaches. Her doctoral research at the University of Rochester aimed to estimate left ventricular ejection fraction using ECG, a novel contribution to acute heart failure management. Her involvement in multidisciplinary projects, such as investigating the optimal timing for coronary angiography, highlights her ability to bridge clinical practice and scientific inquiry. Her research not only addresses critical clinical questions but also emphasizes the importance of evidence-based solutions in nursing.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition: Celebrating a Trailblazer
Sunita’s outstanding contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and grants. Notable honors include the Presidential Stronger as One Diversity Award from the University of Rochester and the Ireta Neumann Scholarship for International Nurses. Her achievements underscore her dedication to fostering diversity and excellence in nursing. Travel grants from esteemed organizations like the American Heart Association and the International Society for Computerized Electrocardiology further reflect her active participation in the global research community.
🌍 Impact and Influence: Advancing Global Health Equity
Sunita’s work extends beyond research and practice to address disparities in healthcare delivery. With a keen interest in self-care, implementation science, and healthcare discrepancies, she aims to enhance patient outcomes and equity in access to care. Her contributions as a research lead coordinator and manuscript reviewer illustrate her influence in shaping nursing science. Through mentorship and scholarly collaboration, she continues to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
🧠 Legacy of Expertise: Pioneering Big Data and Applied Statistics
Sunita’s proficiency in big data analysis and applied statistics distinguishes her as a thought leader in nursing research. By leveraging these tools, she has contributed to clinical trials and comprehensive literature reviews that inform evidence-based practice. Her role as an abstract reviewer and researcher underscores her commitment to advancing knowledge in cardiovascular nursing and beyond.
🌟 Future Contributions: A Vision for Transformative Healthcare
With her multifaceted expertise and global perspective, Sunita is poised to drive innovation in healthcare. Her dedication to improving acute heart failure diagnostics, addressing healthcare disparities, and mentoring emerging scholars positions her as a transformative figure in nursing science. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, scholarship, and a passion for improving lives.
📚 Publications
- Delays in door-to-diuretic time and 1-year mortality among patients with heart failure
Authors: DJ Dzikowicz, SP Bhattarai, J Ng, AL Zemanek, MG Carey
Year: 2022
- Signs and Symptoms Clusters Among Patients With Acute Heart Failure: A Correlational Study
Authors: S Pokhrel Bhattarai, DJ Dzikowicz, MG Carey
Year: 2023
- Integrative review of electrocardiographic characteristics in patients with reduced, mildly reduced, and preserved heart failure
Authors: SP Bhattarai, RC Block, Y Xue, DH Rodriguez, RG Tucker, MG Carey
Year: 2024
- Knowledge and practices on prevention of coronary artery diseases in Nepalese community: A cross-sectional from five different cities in Nepal
Authors: SP Bhattarai, P Neupane
Year: 2018
- Estimating Ejection Fraction from the 12 Lead ECG among Patients with Acute Heart Failure
Authors: SP Bhattarai, DJ Dzikowicz, Y Xue, R Block, RG Tucker, S Bhandari, …
Year: 2024
- Door-to-Diuretic Time is related to length of hospital stay independent of diuretic dose among acute decompensated heart failure patients
Authors: DJ Dzikowicz, M Aktas, SP Bhattarai, L Chen, MG Carey
Year: 2025
- Estimating very low ejection fraction from the 12 Lead ECG among patients with acute heart failure
Authors: SP Bhattarai, DJ Dzikowicz, Y Xue, R Block, RG Tucker, S Bhandari, …
Year: 2025
- Association Between Serum Albumin and the Length of Hospital Stay Among Patients With Acute Heart Failure
Authors: S Pokhrel Bhattarai, DJ Dzikowicz, MG Carey
Year: 2025
- Estimating ejection fraction from the 12 lead ECG in acute heart failure
Authors: SB Pokhrel, DJ Dzikowicz, S Bhandari, VE Boulware, MG Carey
Year: 2024
- Interaction Between Door To Diuretic Time And Dosing As A Predictor Of Mortality And Readmission
Authors: D Dzikowicz, SP Bhattarai, L Chen, MG Carey
Year: 2024
Conclusion
Dr. Sunita Pokhrel Bhattarai’s journey illustrates the power of knowledge, resilience, and a commitment to improving healthcare. By integrating clinical expertise, innovative research, and global collaboration, she has advanced the field of cardiovascular nursing and inspired future generations. Her ongoing work promises to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery, enhance patient outcomes, and drive transformative change in nursing science. Sunita’s legacy is one of impact, innovation, and an enduring dedication to the betterment of global health.