NU Library Newsletter
Spring Semester:
May 2026
Spring Semester:
May 2026
We’re excited to share the May 2026 edition of our Library Newsletter. This issue features key resources, expert support services, and curated tools to guide your research and studies, with a special focus on nursing, healthcare, and the contributions of the School of Medicine.
International Nurses Day
Each year on May 12, International Nurses Day reminds us of the invaluable role nurses play in shaping healthier communities and supporting patients at every stage of care. Their expertise, empathy, and resilience form the backbone of healthcare systems across the globe. In this edition of our library newsletter, we feature resources about nursing, its history, development, and its important role in healthcare today. Explore recommended books, research materials, and inspiring stories that celebrate the nursing profession and its valuable contribution to society.
Library Catalog
The library catalog Primo Discovery System demonstrates 1,397 book titles containing nursing, medicine, healthcare, and core sciences (anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology) as key terms in their titles. In addition, a broader subject-based search across these areas identifies 3,788 books available in the system.
Book Exhibition "Nursing Reads: From Theory to Practice"
Explore the world of nursing through our new book exhibition, featuring resources on patient care, clinical practice, leadership, and public health. Discover inspiring stories and essential materials that highlight the important role of nursing in healthcare.
Library Interview
Ms. Nancy Stitt, Program Director of Nursing Education Programs at Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, brings extensive international experience in nursing education, clinical practice, and healthcare leadership. Before joining Nazarbayev University, she worked at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), where she began her teaching career in 1987 as the first Liver Transplant ICU Nurse Educator. She later advanced to the role of Advanced Clinical Education Specialist, overseeing orientation and continuing education programs for both newly graduated and experienced nurses at UPMC.
Dr. Stitt is also recognized for her contributions to the global transplant nursing community. In 1992, she co-founded the International Transplant Nurses Society (ITNS), an organization dedicated to professional nursing education, research, certification, and continuing professional development in transplantation. Her international work further expanded during seven years in Palermo, Italy, where she assisted in the development and launch of the UPMC-Italy transplant hospital.
Board-certified by the Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) as a Nursing Professional Development Specialist, Dr. Stitt remains deeply committed to mentoring future healthcare professionals and advancing excellence in nursing education and patient care worldwide.
Dr. Stitt is also recognized for her contributions to the global transplant nursing community. In 1992, she co-founded the International Transplant Nurses Society (ITNS), an organization dedicated to professional nursing education, research, certification, and continuing professional development in transplantation. Her international work further expanded during seven years in Palermo, Italy, where she assisted in the development and launch of the UPMC-Italy transplant hospital.
Board-certified by the Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) as a Nursing Professional Development Specialist, Dr. Stitt remains deeply committed to mentoring future healthcare professionals and advancing excellence in nursing education and patient care worldwide.
“I am board-certified in Professional Nurse Development and love teaching the working nurses. When I teach, I aim to make sure they understand "why" - about disease processes, how drugs work at a cellular level, what the evidence shows for our practice...one of my favorite mantras for nursing is "Show Me the Evidence".”
A Conversation with Ms. Nancy Stitt
I actually did not go into nursing to be a nurse...I was thinking of becoming a Nutritionist and then during my 4th and final year, I decided I would work as a nurse for a couple of years and apply to Medical School. One thing led to another - Dr. Thomas Starzl started the Liver Transplant Program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center when I was a new nurse. I fell in love with transplantation and Transplant Nursing, went on to be a Transplant Nurse Educator, founded the International Transplant Nurses Society, and the rest is history for me. All the opportunities I have had as a nurse - to build a transplant hospital in Palermo, Italy...clinically train Italian nurses in the hospital for 7 years there, and now to have spent 9 years in Astana in academia teaching working nurses in our Bachelor program...I would have NEVER had such opportunities to make an international difference in nursing had I gone to medical school!
I am board-certified in Professional Nurse Development and love teaching the BSN students but especially love the working nurses. When I teach, I aim to make sure they understand "why" - about disease processes, how drugs work at a cellular level, what the evidence shows for our practice. One of my favorite mantras for nursing is "Show Me the Evidence".
I am passionate about organ donation and transplantation and barriers to donation in various countries.
As a Professional Nurse Development Specialist, an area of interest is how nurses are prepared to teach/train new nurses...we call this "Precepting". This year in Kazakhstan, the first Capstone project was done on this topic in the BN Program that I co-supervised. We hope to publish our findings.
As a Professional Nurse Development Specialist, an area of interest is how nurses are prepared to teach/train new nurses...we call this "Precepting". This year in Kazakhstan, the first Capstone project was done on this topic in the BN Program that I co-supervised. We hope to publish our findings.
Since the start of our BN Program in 2017, and every cohort after, we have truly seen nurses "bitten by the research bug" and an ignition of the spirit of inquiry. With the guidance of our amazing Nursing Faculty nursing research experts, research is truly evolving. The limitation however is lack of English language but students do their best navigating in Russian and Kazakh.
In Kazakhstan, it is the perception of nurses, the lack of respect by the general public, the low pay, etc. We had to suspend the 4-year BSN program at NUSOM due to lack of interest. Students wanted to enter our BSN program to apply to MD School. In the USA and other countries, Nursing is so respected and admired. It's a research interest as well, and I supervised a BSN Capstone on this topic which demonstrated lack of respect for the profession. Of concern is the lack of state grants and funding for our Nursing programs in Kazakhstan. A Bachelor's Degree is the gold standard but financially out of reach if nurses have to be fee-paying.
I would tell them what a great career choice it is to make a difference in lives every day you go to work. Few professions can say that! Also it's a life-long learning career...and you will never be bored!
I absolutely LOVE making a difference...and it has been amazing to reflect on how nursing has allowed me to do that...on an international level - first on a clinical level and now on an academic level... but still clinical-related as our students are working nurses.
One of my inspirations is my coffee mug that reads "Do Big Things". I just love the big things we are doing and we can see the fruits of our labors!. Our mission is two-fold: we are accelerating nursing higher education in Kazakhstan...and in doing so, we are teaching tomorrow's Nursing leaders. That keeps me motivated!
For nursing, getting the MoH to provide more state grants for our BN and MSN programs. This is critical to accelerate nursing higher education...and set our sights on a PhD Nursing program. Also due to the language, and need for English, to provide English language training to our Russian/Kazakh speaking nursing students.
The new book out last year by Mel Robbins - "The Let Them Theory"...the number 1 book in the WORLD!
Great question! I think it would be the "Nancy Drew Mystery Stories"
I wish I had more time to read...I used to LOVE reading...I miss not having the time. If I read a book that I just can't get into, I stop reading it and donate to my local library back home in Pittsburgh.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh's "A Gift from the Sea"
Blessings for Women: Words of Grace and Peace for Your Heart (Susie Larson)
The Sustainable Self: A Personal Approach to Sustainability Education by Paul Murray
Leading Research & Professional Organizations
Leading international nursing organizations play a vital role in advancing the profession by promoting high standards of care, supporting research, and strengthening leadership across healthcare systems. Institutions such as the International Council of Nurses (ICN), Sigma Theta Tau International (Sigma), and World Health Organization (WHO) bring together professionals, educators, and policymakers worldwide. Through advocacy, global health initiatives, professional development, and research support, they contribute to the growth of nursing practice and help shape the future of healthcare on an international scale.
Represents millions of nurses worldwide; focuses on policy, leadership, and advocacy.
Global honor society promoting nursing excellence, leadership, and research.
Supports nursing and midwifery development through global health initiatives and workforce strategies.
Library Workshops & Consultations
The library regularly hosts open sessions that help students and researchers navigate the academic and research process more effectively. Topics include open access publishing, research data management, copyright and Creative Commons, reference management, scholarly communication, and the NU Repository. These sessions are open to all and aim to strengthen research skills through practical guidance and hands-on support.
Can’t make it to the library today? Ask our virtual librarian on duty, NURIA, book a virtual appointment. Or just stop by our offices # 322, #324 Main Library to talk to Darya, Venera, and Diana, Lazzat and Ainash. Aigerim is at NU SoM (Floor 7, office #702).
Can’t make it to the library today? Ask our virtual librarian on duty, NURIA, book a virtual appointment. Or just stop by our offices # 322, #324 Main Library to talk to Darya, Venera, and Diana, Lazzat and Ainash. Aigerim is at NU SoM (Floor 7, office #702).
Research & Academic Support
Research Support
The NU Library continues to provide personalized, one-to-one research support to help you succeed academically, whether you’re planning your thesis or an article for publication. Our librarians are here to support you in publishing, managing, and preserving your research outputs.
Visit the Main Library (Floor 3, Block 5e, Office 323) to meet our Research Support librarians, or contact us at library@nu.edu.kz.
Prefer online support? Book a virtual appointment, or explore our 24/7 LibGuides to navigate resources anytime, anywhere.
Your research success is our priority. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Visit the Main Library (Floor 3, Block 5e, Office 323) to meet our Research Support librarians, or contact us at library@nu.edu.kz.
Prefer online support? Book a virtual appointment, or explore our 24/7 LibGuides to navigate resources anytime, anywhere.
Your research success is our priority. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Databases
The Library provides access to trusted medical and healthcare databases that support evidence-based research, clinical decision-making, and academic success, offering a wide range of peer-reviewed journals, clinical resources, and learning tools.
Did you know that ...
NUSOM undergraduate nursing students have demonstrated strong research achievements, publishing 14 papers to date, including 11 in prestigious Q1 journals. Their work highlights key areas such as the integration of AI in healthcare, explored by Dilnaz Zhaksylykova and her team, as well as studies on clinical experiences and professional environments. Research by Amina Upasheva examines student nurses’ learning during clinical rotations, while Zarina Sarsenbay and Katarina Seryakova focus on workplace challenges and quality of life among nurses in Kazakhstan.
Thank you for your valuable contributions, for asking important questions, and for advancing knowledge that supports both patients and professionals. Your efforts are helping shape the future of healthcare, and your work serves as an inspiration to your peers and the wider academic community. Keep going - you’re making a difference.
References
Zhaksylykova, D., Tursynbek, A., Nadirbekova, G., Cruz, J. P., & Balay-Odao, E. M. (2025). A Qualitative Study on the Perspectives of Doctors, Nurses and Residents about Artificial Intelligence and Its Application in Healthcare: Implications to Education. Nurse Education in Practice, 104600.
Upasheva, A., Colet, P. C., Cruz, J. P., & Balay-odao, E. M. (2025). Clinical Lived Experience of Nursing Students in a Mother and Child Center: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. In Nursing Forum (Vol. 2025, No. 1, p. 9975322). Wiley.
Sarsenbay, Z., Murat, A., Kamzayeva, T., Beishenbay, Z., Bukhanova, S., Kuntuganova, A., ... & Cruz, J. P. (2025). Nurse Managers’ Toxic Leadership Behaviors and Their Influence on Nurses’ Quality of Life: A Cross‐Sectional Study. Journal of Nursing Management, 2025(1), 6862124.
Seryakova, K., Cruz, J. P., Nadirbekova, G., Colet, P., & Almazan, J. (2024). Examining the Influence of Health‐Related Quality of Life on Job Satisfaction Among Nurses in Kazakhstan. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 30(6), e13315.
Thank you for your valuable contributions, for asking important questions, and for advancing knowledge that supports both patients and professionals. Your efforts are helping shape the future of healthcare, and your work serves as an inspiration to your peers and the wider academic community. Keep going - you’re making a difference.
References
Zhaksylykova, D., Tursynbek, A., Nadirbekova, G., Cruz, J. P., & Balay-Odao, E. M. (2025). A Qualitative Study on the Perspectives of Doctors, Nurses and Residents about Artificial Intelligence and Its Application in Healthcare: Implications to Education. Nurse Education in Practice, 104600.
Upasheva, A., Colet, P. C., Cruz, J. P., & Balay-odao, E. M. (2025). Clinical Lived Experience of Nursing Students in a Mother and Child Center: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. In Nursing Forum (Vol. 2025, No. 1, p. 9975322). Wiley.
Sarsenbay, Z., Murat, A., Kamzayeva, T., Beishenbay, Z., Bukhanova, S., Kuntuganova, A., ... & Cruz, J. P. (2025). Nurse Managers’ Toxic Leadership Behaviors and Their Influence on Nurses’ Quality of Life: A Cross‐Sectional Study. Journal of Nursing Management, 2025(1), 6862124.
Seryakova, K., Cruz, J. P., Nadirbekova, G., Colet, P., & Almazan, J. (2024). Examining the Influence of Health‐Related Quality of Life on Job Satisfaction Among Nurses in Kazakhstan. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 30(6), e13315.
High Impact Journals
Nurse Education Today is a top-tier Q1 journal published by Elsevier that leads global discourse on nursing and midwifery education. Dr. Jonas Cruz, an Associate Professor at Nazarbayev University, serves as Associate Editor, leveraging his expertise in nursing pedagogy to uphold the journal's high standards. Together, they drive innovation in clinical training and educational research worldwide.
BMC Nursing is a highly regarded Q1-ranked open-access journal published by BioMed Central (Springer Nature), focusing on all aspects of nursing research, training, and practice. Both Dr. Ejercito Balay-odao and Dr. Joseph Almazan serve as Editorial Board Members, contributing to the journal's mission of advancing evidence-based nursing through rigorous peer review.
PLOS One is a prestigious Q1 multidisciplinary journal known for its "rigor-over-novelty" approach, where Balay-odao and Almazan also serve as Editorial Board Members (Academic Editors). Their dual roles at these influential publications underscore their significant impact on global health scholarship and their commitment to maintaining high academic standards across both specialized nursing and broad scientific disciplines.
Other Recommended Journals
Published by Elsevier, the International Journal of Nursing Studies (IJNS) is widely considered the top-ranked nursing journal globally. It focuses on high-impact health services research, clinical trials, and policy evaluations that shape nursing systems worldwide.
The Journal of Advanced Nursing (JAN), published by Wiley, is a leading international peer-reviewed journal that covers all aspects of nursing research and practice. It is particularly known for fostering the development of nursing theory and advanced clinical practice.
Published by Wiley on behalf of the International Council of Nurses (ICN), the International Nursing Review (INR) is the official journal of the world’s largest nursing federation. It specifically focuses on nursing policy, regulation, and the nursing workforce from a global perspective.
Medical Terms (Mesh Terms - Medical Subject Headings)
MeSH (Medical Subject Headers) is a controlled thesaurus used for indexing publications in the PubMed/MEDLINE database.
Unlike free keywords, MeSH terms are assigned to articles manually, in the process of professional indexing, and reflect their thematic content. Thus, the search is based on the meaning and concept of the article, rather than on the accidental presence of a single word in the text, which increases the accuracy and relevance of the results.
Unlike free keywords, MeSH terms are assigned to articles manually, in the process of professional indexing, and reflect their thematic content. Thus, the search is based on the meaning and concept of the article, rather than on the accidental presence of a single word in the text, which increases the accuracy and relevance of the results.
LibGuides
NU provides a comprehensive suite of LibGuides to streamline the research process for students and faculty. These curated resources offer expert guidance on navigating biomedical databases, mastering search techniques, and managing scholarly projects. From introductory nursing literature to rigorous systematic reviews, these guides serve as an essential roadmap to high-quality scientific information.
This guide is intended for beginning researchers in the field of nursing. The library's key subscription resources are presented here: specialized databases, scientific journals, books, and trusted open access sources.
This is a general guide to searching PubMed, the world's largest database of biomedical citations and abstracts. It provides essential strategies for utilizing Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and Boolean operators to refine search results and locate high-quality, peer-reviewed evidence efficiently.
This guide will help to start and proceed through the main stages of a systematic review. It offers a structured framework for developing a robust protocol, conducting comprehensive literature searches across multiple databases, and performing the critical appraisal required to synthesize clinical evidence.
Upcoming Events
Discover upcoming events, celebrations, and academic gatherings hosted by the NU Library.
Join us at the NU Library on June 1 for a joyful celebration of International Children’s Day! The event will feature fun reading activities, games, storytelling, and creative entertainment for children and families. Come enjoy a day filled with imagination, laughter, books, and special treats as we celebrate the magic of childhood together.
The Nazarbayev University Library, with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Association of University Libraries in the Republic of Kazakhstan, cordially invites you to the 14th Eurasian Academic Libraries Conference (EALC 2026).
The theme of this year’s conference is “Library as a Dialogue Hub: Bridging Communities Through Conversations,” which will be held on October 22–23, 2026, at Nazarbayev University, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan.
Conference languages: Kazakh, English, and Russian.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Library as a Dialogue Hub: Bridging Communities Through Conversations,” which will be held on October 22–23, 2026, at Nazarbayev University, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan.
Conference languages: Kazakh, English, and Russian.
Recent Events
The NU Library highlights and promotes the scholarly works, research, and publications of NU faculty members and academic partners.
Book Presentation: Issues of the Language of Science (Ғылым тілі мәселелері) by Dr. Sarkyt Aliszhan
The library organized a presentation by Sarkyt Aliszhan on his book Issues of the Language of Science (Ғылым тілі мәселелері). The work explores the structure and meaning of scientific discourse, including its cognitive foundations, key concepts, and the role of language in shaping scientific knowledge.
The book also addresses terminology, bringing together the author’s research on the development and use of scientific terms. The event attracted students and scholars in philology and highlighted the importance of clear and precise language in academic communication.
The book also addresses terminology, bringing together the author’s research on the development and use of scientific terms. The event attracted students and scholars in philology and highlighted the importance of clear and precise language in academic communication.
Book Presentation: Rediscovery of a Lost History of Central Asian Christianity by Dr. Kevin White
A presentation by Kevin White introduced his book Rediscovery of a Lost History of Central Asian Christianity (2026). The talk highlighted a remarkable 2014 discovery in East Kazakhstan - a stone engraved with a cross and Syriac script - which led to excavations uncovering the lost Silk Road city of Ilibalyk, referenced by Hethum I.
Dr. White explained how these findings, along with others in Zhetysu, reveal a significant pre-Islamic Christian presence in the region dating back to the 6th century. His 483-page publication brings together archaeological evidence, maps, and extensive research, offering new insight into Central Asia’s religious history.
Dr. White explained how these findings, along with others in Zhetysu, reveal a significant pre-Islamic Christian presence in the region dating back to the 6th century. His 483-page publication brings together archaeological evidence, maps, and extensive research, offering new insight into Central Asia’s religious history.
Book Presentation: Advancements in Underground Infrastructures by Dr. Saffet Yagiz
The library hosted a presentation by Saffet Yagiz on Advancements in Underground Infrastructures. The book explores advanced modelling, experimental methods, and data-driven approaches to improve the safety and stability of underground structures, supported by practical case studies.
The session also highlighted the use of soft computing techniques and the importance of circular economy principles in sustainable underground engineering.
The session also highlighted the use of soft computing techniques and the importance of circular economy principles in sustainable underground engineering.
All books donated by the authors to the NU Library during the book presentation events are available for the NU community in the Short Loan Collection at the Main Library, 3rd floor. We sincerely thank our authors for their valuable contributions and continued support of the NU Library.
Service Update & Policy Reminder
Study Break Operating Hours
During the study break, starting from May 12, 2026, the Main Library and NUSOM Library will operate from 08:30 AM to 5:15 PM, Monday to Friday. Please check the daily schedule on our website before visiting the library.
- The Room Booking service will operate from 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
- The 24/7 reading rooms in both libraries will remain accessible throughout this period.
Authors of this edition
Let's acknowledge the contributors who made this newsletter possible.
- Dina BaiseitManager
Patron Services Office - Madina AbdykaimovaSenior Manager
Patron Services Office - Aigerim AkparovaExpert Manager
Patron Services Office - Zhuldyz OrazymbetovaHead
Patron Services Office