Muna Bhattarai PhD, RN, CRC

Bhattarai, M., *Karki, S., Baniya, M., Dhakal, R., & Taylor, H. B. (2024). Rehabilitation services for people with spinal cord injury: A qualitative study exploring rehabilitation professionals’ perspectives. Rehabilitation Psychology. Advanced online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/rep0000575

Bhattarai, M., Shigemoto, Y., Huang, Y., *Islam, M. T., & Sorenson, M. (2024). Mindfulness for health and wellbeing in adults with spinal cord injury: A scoping review. Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine. Advanced online publication https://doi.org/10.1080/10790268.2024.2374130

Huang, Y., Bhattarai, M., Cho, E., & Yoon, H. (2024). Impact of social and emotional support on serious psychological distress among people with functional disability and type 2 diabetes. Chronic Illness Journal.Advanced online publication https://doi.org/10.1177/17423953241253874

Bhattarai, M., McDaniels, B., Jin, Y., & Smedema, S.M. (2024). Pain and quality of life in persons with spinal cord injury: A mediating role of mindfulness, self-efficacy, social support, and functional independence. The Journal of Clinical Psychology. 80(2): 406-420. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23616

Bhattarai, M., Clements, P. T., & Downing, N. R. (2024). Mindfulness-based self-care for forensic nurses: A professional lifestyle approach. Journal of Forensic Nursing. 20(2). 138-147. https://doi.org/10.1097/JFN.0000000000000456

Jin, Y., Brown, R., Bhattarai, M., & Song J. (2023). Urban–rural differences in associations among perceived stress, resilience, and self-care in Chinese older adults with multiple chronic conditions. International Journal of Older People Nursing. Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/opn.12591

Bhattarai, M., Shigemoto, Y., & Smedema S.M. (2023). Role of self-efficacy on functional limitations among persons with spinal cord injury. Chronic Illness Journal. Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/17423953231203731

Matkin, K., Bhattarai, M., & Smedema, S. M. (2023). Potential benefits of Mindfulness-Based Strength Practice for individuals with disabilities in vocational rehabilitation settings. Rehabilitation Counselors and Educators Journal. 12(2). https://doi.org/10.52017/001c.84885

Taylor, H. B., Hughes, R., Gonzalez, D., Bhattarai, M., & Robinson-Whelen, S. (2023). Psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women with spinal cord injury. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20, 6387. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20146387.

Jin, Y., Brown, R., Bhattarai, M., Kuo, W., & Chen Y. (2023). Psychometric properties of the self-care of chronic illness inventory in Chinese older adults with multiple chronic conditions. International Journal of Older People Nursing. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/opn.12536

Bhattarai, M. & Smedema, S. (2023). Improving the health of persons with disabilities living in poverty: A scoping review. Rehabilitation Counselors and Educators Journal. 12(1). https://doi.org/10.52017/001c.37747

Bhattarai, M., Sherpa, P. D., & Limbu, S. (2023). A qualitative study of coping strategies in persons with spinal cord injury during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rehabilitation Psychology, 68(1), 25–31. https://doi.org/10.1037/rep0000477

Jin, Y., Bhattarai, M., Kuo, W., & Bratzke, L. (2023). Relationship between resilience and self-care in people with chronic conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 32(9-10), 2041-2055. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16258

Bhattarai, M., Smedema, S., Hoyt, W., & Bishop, M. (2022). The role of mindfulness in quality of life of persons with spinal cord injury: A cross-sectional study. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 20, 148. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12955-022-02059-w

Bhattarai, M., Limbu, S. & Sherpa, P. D. (2022). Living with spinal cord injury during COVID-19: A qualitative study of impacts of the pandemic in Nepal. Spinal Cord, 60(11), 984-989. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-022-00812-y

Li, J., Bishop, M., Fraser, R., Rumrill, P. D., LaRocca, N., Burns, M., Lee, D., & Bhattarai, M. (2022). Quality of life and experience with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society strategic plan priorities for people with multiple sclerosis: Findings from path analysis. Work, 1(4), 987-1005.
https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-205038

Smedema, S., Lee, D., & Bhattarai, M. (2022). An examination of the relationship of core self-evaluations and life satisfaction in college students with disabilities. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin. 65(2), 129-139. https://doi.org/10.1177/0034355221993569

Bhattarai, M., Huang, Y., Castruita Rios, Y., & Smedema, S. (2021). Factor structure of values in action inventory of strengths -72 in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Rehabilitation Research, Policy, and Education. 35(2), 94-106. https://doi.org/ 10.1891/RE-20-24

Bhattarai, M., Jin, Y., Smedema, S., Cadel, K. R., & Baniya, M. (2021). The relationships among self-efficacy, social support, resilience, and subjective well-being in persons with spinal cord injuries. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 77(1), 221-230. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14573

Bhattarai, M., Smedema, S., & Maneewat, K. (2021). An integrative review of factors associated with resilience post-spinal cord injury. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin. 64(2), 118-127. https://doi.org/10.1177/0034355220938429

Smedema, S. & Bhattarai, M. (2020). The unique contribution of character strengths to quality of life in persons with multiple sclerosis. Rehabilitation Psychology. 66(1), 76–86. https://doi.org/10.1037/rep0000363

Bishop, M., Rumrill, S., McDaniels, B., Li, J., Fraser, R., Rumrill, P.D., & Bhattarai, M. & Park, M. (2020). Information and resources to the quality of life of people living with multiple sclerosis. Australian Journal of Rehabilitation Counselling. 26(2), 92-104. https://doi.org/10.1017/jrc.2020.17

 Baniya, M., Groves, C. C., & Bhattarai, M. (2019). Intermittent catheterization practice of people with spinal cord injury in five districts of Nepal. Australian and New Zealand Continence Journal, 25(1), 10.

Bhattarai, M., Maneewat, K., & Sae-Sia, W. (2018). Psychosocial factors affecting resilience in Nepalese individuals with earthquake-related spinal cord injury: A cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry, 18, 60. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1640-z

Bhattarai, M., Maneewat, K., & Sae-Sia, W. (2018). Determinants of resilience among people who sustained spinal cord injury from the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. Spinal Cord, 56, 78–83. https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.2017.93

Bhattarai, M. (October 18, 2024). Keynote: Mindfulness for trauma. Children’s Grief & Trauma 2nd Annual National Conference. October 18, 2024. Las Vegas

Bhattarai, M. (September 1, 2024). Audry Nelson Lecture Award: Roles of psychosocial resources on well-being among adults with spinal cord injury. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Conference & Expo, September 1-4, 2024, Chicago

Bhattarai, M. (January 11, 2024). Panelist: How to balance home and work with early career goals. Early Career and Trainee Support (ECATs) Membership Series (EMSS). Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals, USA.

Bhattarai, M. (August 22, 2023). Keynote: Strength-based approach in caring for people with chronic illnesses and disabilities. International Nursing Seminar 2023 on Transforming Nursing Future in Digital, Technology, Innovation and Collaboration for Nursing Education and Practice, Rajawali Health Institute, West Java, Indonesia

Bhattarai, M., & Spears, B. (2024). COVID-19 pandemic-related posttraumatic stress symptoms among college students.Podium presentation at SNRS 38th Annual Conference, February 21-23, 2024, Charlotte, USA.

Bhattarai, M., & Matkin, K. (2023). Mindfulness-based strength practice for individuals with disabilities in vocational rehabilitation settings. Online presentation at 2023 QE National Symposium on Rehabilitation Counseling, June 7-8, 2023, Wisconsin, USA.

Spears, B. & Bhattarai, M. (2023). Prevalence of COVID-19 and posttraumatic stress symptoms among PVAMU & TAMU students. Poster Presentations at Research & Innovation (R&I) Week: Faculty Research Day, Prairie View A&M University.

Huang A. & Bhattarai M. (2023). Impact of social and emotional support on serious psychological distress among people with functional disability and type 2 diabetes. Poster presentation at SNRS 37th Annual Conference, March 1-3, 2023, Orlando, USA.

Bhattarai, M., Sherpa, P. D., & Limbu, S. (2022). Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons with spinal cord injury: A qualitative study. Online poster presentation at the 61st ISCoS Annual Scientific Meeting, September 15-18, 2022, Vancouver, Canada.

Bhattarai, M. & Smedema, S. (2022). Quality of life in persons with spinal cord injury: Role of mindfulness. Paper presented at National Council on Rehabilitation Education Conference, Spring 2022.

Bhattarai, M., Phillips, B., & Bishop, M. (2022). Determinants of quality of life among employed people with multiple sclerosis: A hierarchical regression analysis. Poster presented at National Council on Rehabilitation Education Conference, Spring 2022.

Bhattarai, M. & Smedema, S. (2020). The unique contribution of character strengths to quality of life in persons with multiple sclerosis. Online poster presented at National Council on Rehabilitation Education Conference, Spring 2020.

Smedema, S., Lee, D., & Bhattarai, M. (2019). An examination of the relationship of core self-evaluations and life satisfaction in college students with disabilities. Poster presented at 19th Annual National Council on Rehabilitation Education Conference, April 16-18, 2019, San Diego, California, USA.

Bhattarai, M. (2018). Demographic and injury-related determinants of resilience among people who sustained spinal cord injury from the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. Paper presented at Fourth National Summit of the Health and Population Scientists in Nepal, April 11-12, 2018, Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), Kathmandu, Nepal

Bhattarai, M., & Cadel, K. R. (2018). Psychological well-being among persons with spinal cord injury in Nepal. Paper presented at International Mental Health Conference Nepal 2018 (IMHCN 2018), February 16-17, 2018, Kathmandu, Nepal

Bhattarai, M., & Maneewat, K. (2017). Factors contributing to resilience in individuals with disaster-related spinal cord injury: An integrative review. Poster presented at the 2017 International Nursing Conference on Ethics, Esthetics, and Empirics in Nursing: Driving Forces for Better Health, July 5-7, 2017. Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand.

• Audrey Nelson Lectureship Award 2024 
• Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals 2024
• Dean’s Emerging Researcher Award, Texas A&M University College of Nursing 2024
• Dean’s Seedling Award, Texas A&M University College of Nursing 2024
• Dean’s Faculty Best Research Paper Award, Texas A&M University College of Nursing 2024
• DAISY Team Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators Nominee 2024
• The 33rd annual Montague-Center for Teaching Excellence (MCTE) Scholar Award Nominee, Texas A&M University 2023
• Dean’s Faculty Best Research Paper Award, Texas A&M University College of Nursing 2023
• Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Scholar, Parkinson’s Foundation 2022
• ADVANCE National Center for Faculty Diversity and Development (NCFDD) Faculty Success Program Fellow, Texas A&M University 2022
• School of Education Bridge to Success Summer Fellow, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 2020
• Student research grants competition Award - Conference presentation Spring 2019 
• Scholarship Hub, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 2019
• Prestige outstanding master’s degree thesis award in Social Science Prince of Songkla University, Thailand 2018
• Best paper award (oral presentation) at Fourth National Summit of Health and Population Scientists in Nepal, Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), Nepal 2018
• Two-year Graduate School Fellowship, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, WI 2018
• Best poster presentation award at the 2017 International Nursing Conference on Ethics, Esthetics, and Empirics in Nursing: Driving Forces for Better Health, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand 2017
• Thailand’s Educations Hub for Southern Regions of ASEAN Countries (TEC-AC) Scholarship, Graduate School, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand 2015
• Academic excellence in Bachelor of Nursing, Nepal Institute of Health Science, Nepal 2013

• Registered Nurse, Nepal Nursing Council, RN# 6056, 2005 – 2024
• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, CRCC, CRC# 584971, 2022 – Present
• Mental Health First Aid Instructor, National Council for Mental Well-being, 2024 – 2027
• Mental Health First Aider-Adult, National Council for Mental Well-being, 2024 – 2027
• Basic Life Support, renewed May 2023

• Spinal Cord Injury Nurses Section, Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals, Board Member
• Research Committee, Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals, Member
• Southern Nursing Research ‎Society, Member
• The International Spinal Cord Society, Member
• United Spinal Association, Member
• Nursing Association of Nepal, Member

• Trainer, Adult Mental Health First Aid training
• Abstract Reviewer, Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Educational Conference & Expo 2024, 2025
• Conference Moderator, Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Educational Conference & Expo 2024, 2025
• Journal Reviewer, Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, Rehabilitation Psychology, International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Health & Well-being, Scientific Reports, BMC Public Health, Clinical Nursing Research, Psychology Research and Behavior Management, Journal of Rehabilitation, Spinal Cord, Cogent Psychology, Health and Quality of Life Outcomes
• Research Consultant, 515 A3 Initiative Foundation