Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity in Arizona and the Southwest
It is projected that between the years 2000 and 2030, the population of older persons aged 65 and older will increase in Arizona from 13% to 22%. With the increase in life expectancy, greater numbers of couples will age in place. As Arizona and neighboring Southwestern states continue to grow and age in place, there will be an increased demand for nursing leadership among faculty, clinicians, and researchers to promote and facilitate healthy aging in the growing population of older southwestern residents.
Nationally, the number of geriatric advanced practice nurses (APNs) remains small, with only 5,700 nurses certified as geriatric nurse practitioners or geriatric clinical nurse specialists. As of September 2006, Arizona had 2,653 nurse practitioners (NPs) of whom only 57 were geriatric NPs. Thus, the need is significant for advanced practice registered nurses with specialized preparation in geriatric nursing to care for the increasing and ethnically diverse aging population. There is further need for academic faculty trained in the knowledge, skills and theoretical underpinnings of geriatric nursing to assume leadership positions in the conduct and dissemination of research that impacts the health and well being of Arizona and the Southwest's growing older population.
To address this urgent situation, Arizona State University, College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation, Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence has developed six courses focused on substantive geriatric knowledge for doctoral education and a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner specialty program housed within the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Major emphasis will be placed on addressing health disparities experienced by older adults by preparing faculty who have expertise not only in promoting healthy aging, but also in meeting the unique and growing needs of ethnically diverse, immigrant, frail and advanced elderly population in both rural and urban areas.
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Visiting Scholars
A Visiting Scholar Program has also been implemented and has hosted visits in scholarship and consultation from national and international expertise in aging issues.
In January, the Cognitive Center hosted, Jan Dougherty, MS, RN and Geri Hall, PhD, RN. Both are nursing leaders in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and practice at the Banner Alzheimer's Institute in Phoenix, AZ.
On March 24, 2008, the Cultural Integration Core hosted Norma Martinez-Rogers, PhD, RN, FAAN, President of National Association of Hispanic Nurses and Associate Professor at the University of Texas Health Science at San Antonio. Dr. Martinez-Rogers is experienced in the area of recruitment and retention of diverse students and faculty.
With summer fast approaching our Center has confirmed two Visiting Scholars for our Fall Series. On September 18, 2008, Karen Marek, PhD, MBA, RN, FAAN, Professor, College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will discuss her research on "Enhancing Self-management in Chronically Ill Older Adults." Barbara Resnick, PhD, RN, CRNP, FAAN, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, will visit ASU's Hartford Center on November 6, 2008. Dr. Resnick's research focus has been on motivation of older adults particularly with regard to performance of functional activities and engaging in regular exercise. |
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The Southwest Consortium
On April 16, 2008, the Center hosted the Southwest Consortium for Geriatric Nursing Education dinner meeting in conjunction with the Western Insititue of Nursing Conference. The Consortium, formed in order to enhance geriatric coursework, resources, expertise, and curriculum development expertise in regional geriatric capactiy building among faculty, met to share issues faced regarding the recruitment and retention of students and the need with limited resources to increase the number of geriatric nursing faculty at their respective schools. Representatives from New Mexico State University, Northern Arizona University, University of Arizona, University of Colorado Denver, University of New Mexico, University of Las Vegas, and University of Texas at El Paso attended the meeting. The consortium members were introduced to the Center Cores and Core-Directors: Dr. Victoria Grando, director of the Cognitive Aging core and Dr. Johannah Uriri Glover, director of the Cultural Integration core. Plans are being developed to include the Southwest Consortium for Geriatric Nursing Education partners in visiting scholar consultations via Breeze meeting.
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Phoenix's First Invitational Geriatric Symposium
The Arizona State University Hartford Center is planning its 1st Invitational Geriatric Conference under the theme "Health Promotion in Aging." Community partners, nurses and other interdisciplinary scholars who are interested in geriatrics will be invited to attend.
 Karen Marek, PhD, MBA, RN, FAAN, University of Wisconsin College of Nursing, has been invited to be our keynote speaker and will discuss Technology and Aging. Dr. Marek is currently the Principal Investigator on a NHI funded RO1 study to test a home care medication management program for frail older adults.
Additional topics and speakers include: Cognitive Aging - Sandra Jacobson, MD, Geriatric Neuropsychiatrist, Center for Healthy Aging, Sun Health Research Institute; Physical Activity and Aging - Cheryl Der Ananian, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise and Wellness, Arizona State University, Polytechnic Campus; Nutrition and Aging - Carol Johnston, PhD, RD, Professor, Department of Nutrition, Arizona State University, Polytechnic Campus; and Caregiver Health - David W. Coon, PhD, Professor, New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, Arizona State University, West Campus. |
Research Faculty News
Dr. Maureen Campesino was awarded an R03 by National Institutes of Health titled "An Exploration of Perceived Racial/Ethnic Discrimination in Cancer Care Delivery" to examine cancer health disparities among minorities. The aims of her R03 exploratory proposal are to investigate African American (AA) and Mexican American (MA) breast cancer patients' perceptions of cancer care delivery, specifically perceived discrimination and to analyze how ethnic/cultural group identification and Spanish-language preference affect perceptions of and experiences with cancer care delivery.
Drs. Colleen Keller and Julie Fleury were funded by the National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Nursing Research for an R21 titled "Mujeres en Accion: Walking in Hispanic Women". This is a two-year grant which will focus on physical activity in Hispanic woman between the ages of 45 and 70.
The Arizona State University Hartford Center and SunHealth Boswell Hospital have partnered to begin a Geriatric Visiting Scholars Series. To kick off the series, pre-doctoral Hartford Scholars, Adriana Perez (2007-2009) and Carol Rogers (2008-2010) will talk about their current research programs.
Dr. Dana Rosdahl, PhD, FNP received funding from Oncology Nursing Society to examine Co-mindfulness Meditation in Cancer Patients and Their Caregiver. This project (1) provides training in the physiology of cancer and its impact on neuroendocrine and immune measures; (2) allows for a gain in knowledge and expertise of heart rate variability , a new neuroendocrine marker, to measure the physiologic response of a proposed intervention; (3) pilot tests the feasibility and psychosocial outcomes of a new integrative therapy called co-mindfulness meditation for mindfulness meditation done in a pair, with a cancer patient and their selected caregiver. |
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The Western Institute of Nursing 41st Annual Conference 2008
Center for Healthy Outcomes in Aging/Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence Faculty and Student Presentations
Jena Boynton, RN, BSN, Kathie Records, PhD, RN, and Colleen Keller, PhD, RN-C, FNP: Exercise During Pregnancy: Specificity of ACOG Recommendation
Neva Crogan, PhD, APRN, BC, GNP, FNGNA, and Bronwynne Evans, PhD, RN, CNS, FNGNA: Utilizing Predictive Resident-Focused Problems May Improve Outcomes
Julie Fleury, PhD, FAAN and Michael Belyea, PhD: Pilot Test of a Wellness Motivation Intervention to Promote Physical Activity
Colleen Keller, PhD, RN, FNP, Kathie Records, PhD, RN, Barbara Ainsworth, PhD, MPH, and Paska Permana, PhD: Interventions for Weight Management in Postpartum Women
Kathryn Lindstrom, MSN, FNP-C, ACHPN and Bernadette Melynk, PhD, RN, CPNP/NPP, FAAN, FNAP: A Literature Review of Interventions for Caregivers at End-of-Life
Adriana Perez, RN, MS, Julie Fleury, PhD, FAAN, and Colleen Keller, PhD, RN-C, FNP: Motivation for Physical Activity in Older Hispanic Women
Kathie Records, PhD, RN, and Colleen Keller, PhD, RN-C, FNP: Overweight and Obesity in Postpartum Hispanic Women
Carol Rogers, RN, MSN, APRN, BC: Roy Adaptation Model to Describe Effects of Ineffective Adaptation on QOL
Denise Seton, RN, BSN, Kathie Records, PhD, RN, and Colleen Keller, PhD, RN-C, FNP: Effect of Exercise on Depression During Childbearing |
Congratulations to ASU College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation Hartford Scholars
 Carol Rogers, RN APRN-BC
2008-2010 John A. Hartford Geriatric Pre-doctoral Scholar (Sponsor- Colleen Keller; Co-sponsors: Nelma Shearer and Anna Schwartz) Hye Yeom, PhD, RN 2008-2010 Claire M. Fagin Fellow (Sponsors: Julie Fleury and Colleen Keller) | |
Two Cores Formed for Hartford Center
The ASU College of Nursing and Healthcare Innovation,Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence has developed two functional cores to further its mission. CULTURAL INTEGRATION CORE
 Johannah Uriri Glover, PhD, RN, has been appointed Core Director of the Cultural Integration Core. The Cultural Integration Core focuses on increasing the diversity of doctoral faculty and in the area of gerontological healthcare and research, throughout Arizona and surrounding Southwestern states.
The ASU College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation, Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence goal is pursued in an environment in which students are valued for their individual strengths and diversity, supported by a faculty and staff committed to academic excellence and innovation, and in which collaboration and partnership across disciplines, with the nursing community and the community at large, are viewed as essential. Drs. Evelyn Cesarotti, Johannah Uriri-Glover, and Barbara Niesel, MS presented a symposium on Aromatherapy in Nursing Research and Practice: Managing Behaviors of Persons with Dementia at the Arizona STTI Southwest Summit 5th Bi-Annual Research Consortium Conference on March 28, 2008. Dr. Evelyn Cesarotti also presented at the same conference a collaborative project with Scottsdale Healthcare entitled Developing a Cost-Effective Falls Prevention Program. On May 3, 2008, Dr. Johannah Uriri-Glover, Core Director, presented on Healthy Aging at the Fourth Annual Alzheimer's Conference Health Issues: Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease. The Delta Theta Sorority, an African American professional sorority, is one of the co-sponsors of this conference as Alzheimer's disease is their health initiative. Wanda M. Thompson, Community Health Coordinator, Family Health Partnerships of Maricopa County Department of Public Health Division of Community Health Services, is proposing the development of an African American Health Center for African Americans living in the Phoenix area and a plan to expand the center into other cities in Arizona. The objectives are to collaborate with 75 churches in bringing African Americans together and to form a centrally located site where African Americans can participate in social activities and obtain information about health promotion and disease prevention, housing, mental health and economics. Dr. Glover will serve as a board member representing the Hartford Center. COGNITIVE AGING CORE
Victoria T. Grando, PhD, APRN, BC has been appointed Core Director of Cognitive Aging for the Center. The Cognitive Aging Core focuses on preparing outstanding nursing faculty and practitioners able to meet the mental health needs of our growing aging population, and conduct research in issues affecting cognitive aging.
In collaboration with Michael Rice, PhD, Psych RNP, FAAN, Associate Professor and Specialty Coordinator, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Dr. Grando plans to develop a Gero-Mental Health certificate at ASU College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation. They are currently exploring the feasibility of a certificate program targeting Primary Care practitioners who are the first line in providing services to elders with mental health problems. The program will aim to help them more effectively treat simple mental health problems that often are presented in the primary care setting. Grando and Rice are also exploring the feasibility of a Gero-Psychiatric certificate that would target Advanced Practice Mental Health nurses (both NP and CNSs) who seek advanced knowledge when treating complex mental health issues that affect older adults.
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New Course Offerings
ASU's Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence is pleased to announce the approval of three new Geriatric courses which can be taken as the substantive area of concentration in geriatric issues for PhD students.
Geriatric Health Promotion - Fall 2008
This course provides the theoretical foundation for advanced geriatric healthcare focusing on health promotion in aging. Emphasis is placed on core concepts of aging including theories of healthy aging, culture, and health promotion. Theory building approaches are used as a basis for applying health promotion process and outcomes to clinical practice and policy.
Geriatric Health Management - Spring 2009
This course provides the theoretical foundation for advanced geriatric health care focusing on the epidemiology of aging, and the effects of senescence on cognition and organ systems. Emphasis is placed on the core concepts of aging including health management and end of life care. Theory building approaches are used for applying health management process and outcomes to clinical practice and policy.
Geriatric Syndrome Management - Fall 2009
This course provides a theoretical foundation for advanced geriatric health care focusing on syndromes specific to the older adult population. Theory building strategies are used to identify risk and to develop treatment and interventional models for the management of geriatric syndromes. Social, cultural and contextual issues will be identified and integrated as related to geriatric syndromes.
Dr. Evelyn Cesarotti will be Director of the GNP/DNP program. Evelyn is dually certifed as a GNP/FNP. |
Recruitment for Academic Programs in Geriatric Nursing
In an effort to recruit doctorally-prepared nursing students, the ASU College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence is meeting with hospitals throughout the state to discuss our new geriatric programs, current research, and fellowship opportunities. Research seminars by the college's Hartford Center faculty and pre-doc students, were presented at Sun Health, a Maricopa Community College Nursing Directors meeting and at John C. Lincoln. The Center also hosted a meeting for our community partner, Evercare, which was held on March 25, 2008.
Upcoming recruitment events include:
Yavapai Regional Medical Center (Prescott, AZ)
June 23, 2008
Scottsdale Health Care
Two entry pathways, BS-PhD and MS-PhD, are available for students interested in earning a PhD with a substantive focus in geriatrics from ASU's College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation. 18 nurses applied to the doctoral program this year. Out of the 18 applicants, 11 have been admitted and five of the 11 are interested in geriatrics. In addition, this will be the first year that a newly admitted applicant is entering the program from the BS-PhD pathway. Since the funding of our Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, the number of applicants admitted to the PhD program with an interest in geriatrics has increased 500% from last year. |
Research Faculty Awards
 Diane Nunez, doctoral student, faculty colleague and ASU College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence Evercare Pre-doctoral Scholar has been designated by the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, as a Paul Ambrose Scholar. In June 2008, Diane will join 49 other health professions students from across the country with similar interests in prevention education and health promotion for a leadership symposium in Washington, DC. Diane's mentors for this scholar effort are Drs. Colleen Keller and Barbara Ainsworth. Diane has also been awarded the Procter & Gamble Community Service Award by the Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation.
Colleen Keller, PhD, RN-C, FNP, ASU Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence Director, was selected as the 2008 recipient of the Senior Researcher Regional Geriatric Nursing Research Award, presented at Western Institute of Nursing Conference April 17, 2008. Johannah Uriri-Glover, PhD, RN, ASU Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence Cultural Integration Core Director was selected to attend the Sixth Annual Hartford Interdisciplinary Scholars Communications Conference, July 21-23, 2008 in Chicago, IL, sponsored by The John A. Hartford Foundation. The Hartford Interdisciplinary Scholars Communications Conference will gather approximately 35 Hartford-supported scholars in medicine, nursing and social work from universities across the country. The Hartford Interdisciplinary Scholars Communications Conference is designed to build communications skills and abilities to enhance junior faculty's professional and leadership development, strengthen their ability to participate effectively in interdisciplinary health care settings, and improve one's knowledge of The John A. Hartford Foundation's work and other academic leaders in the Hartford network performing research in geriatrics and gerontology. Dr. Nelma Shearer, Co-Director Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, and Nancy Baumhover, RN, MSN, CCRN, Clinical Assistant Professor, are applying for one of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Geriatric Nursing Education Consortium Institutes designed to provide nursing educators with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to enhance geriatric content in senior-level baccalaureate courses. In addition, the goals of the Geriatric Nursing Education Consortium program support our Center's goals of increasing gerontology content in nursing courses at the BSN to Doctoral level and increasing the number of faculty with a background in geriatric nursing. | |
