Elverson specializes in pediatrics and perinatal nursing. Notably, Elverson has helped improved pediatric and perinatal practice in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and beyond. She has accomplished these improvements through her (a) evaluation role in two consecutive SAMSHA funded health-improvement programs and (b) as committee chair for 10 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality-improvement projects. One example is the former DNP advisee of Elverson who successfully led an evidence-based initiative for policy change in a newborn intensive care unit last year. Because of the new policy, human donor milk is now used instead of cow’s milk to fortify breast milk for premature infants. This example is but one of many that demonstrate the lasting impact of her scholarship.
Elverson’s scholarship outcomes are evident by the number of funded training grants in which she has served in key roles. To date she has collaborated with other professions and entities receiving over $2 million in mostly external funding. For example, NCIN funding for scholarships for underrepresented students, SBIRT funding for interprofessional curriculum development that was delivered to 885 pharmacy, counseling and nursing students and early childhood funding which has provided training for nearly 80 professionals for improving the prevention and screening of social-emotional issues for over 200 children ages 3-5 years. Elverson has actively disseminated the results by publishing or presenting in over 50 peer reviewed/non-peer reviewed journals and conferences." (Source: Nomination Application)