Hartford Institute selects geriatric nursing research scholars and fellows

All the fellows and scholars were chosen because they are actively involved in gerotological nursing research. All participants are post-doctoral nursing faculty at prestigious universities and colleges from the southern states.

The Program consists of two parts, beginning with a week-long seminar to be held at New York University�s Division of Nursing from June 24 through June 29, 2001. During this time, all the Fellows and Scholars are brought together with teaching faculty, who are all nationally recognized nursing researchers, for an intensive and interactive experience of critical analysis and research skill. This year, the teaching partners are from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Florida and the University of South Florida. Topics include: building significant programs of research, challenges in research design and measurement issues.

In the second part of the Program, the three Fellows receive a $5,000 award towards their research efforts and will continue to work with a mentor for two months following the seminar. Additionally, one of the three Fellows has the additional honor of being designated as a Merck/Hartford Institute Fellow. This year Dr. Elaine Amella, of the Medical University of South Carolina, College of Nursing will have her fellowship funded by the Merck Foundation.

Each year, the Fellows and Scholars are drawn from a different region of the country and this year's participants are from the southern states. Prior programs have focused on the west, midwest and the east coast regions. �Each year we specifically seek outstanding new scholars who are actively conducting significant research in gerontologic nursing,� said Terry Fulmer, RN, PhD, FAAN, co-director of the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing and seminar chair.

For information on the 2002 Hartford Institute Geriatric Nursing Research Seminar, open to post-doctorates from the northeastern states, you can email Kiersten Konikowski at kgm2@nyu.edu or visit the Hartford Institute Website at www.hartfordign.org.

The 2001 Hartford Institute Geriatric Nursing Research Fellows are:

Elaine Amella, PhD, RN, CS, GNP, Medical University of South Carolina, College of Nursing Hartford Institute/Merck Geriatric Nursing Research Fellow
Outcomes of tube feeding versus hand-feeding in later stage dementia

Christi Deaton, PhD, RN, Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing (GA)
Older women with heart disease, women�s recovery and re-hospitalization after surgical revascularization

Lisa Onega, PhD, RN, FNP, Radford University - Roanoke Site, School of Nursing (VA)
Depression in elders, case management service for rural elders

The 2001 Hartford Institute Geriatric Nursing Research Scholars are:

Beth Ellen Barba, BA, BSN, MA, PhD, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, School of Nursing
Effect of nursing home environments on the physical, psychological and social characteristics of nursing home residents and staff

Patricia Clark, PhD, RN, Emory University, NHW School of Nursing (GA)
How family caregivers affect the recovery of stroke survivors

Mary Cresci, PhD, Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing (MD)
Influence of perceived functional social support on health in older adults

Sonya Hardin, PhD, College of Nursing & Health Professions, Adult Health Nursing Department (MD)
Spiritual health and the influence of spirituality among the geriatric population

Michelle Liken, PhD, MSN, University of South Carolina, Department of Family & Community Health Nursing
Implementation of interventions to prevent emergency, premature, unplanned institutionalization of a family member with Alzheimer�s disease and related dementias

Janice Peterson, PhD, RN, University of Central Florida, School of Nursing
How older adults cope with elimination of hospital stays after surgery

Carla Gene Rapp, PhD, MSNc, BSN, Central Arkansas Veterans Health System
Behavioral problems in dementia and other cognition impairing conditions

Robin Remsburg, RN, PhD, Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing (MD)
Development and evaluation of strategies to improve the nursing care and well being of the institutionalized elderly

Elizabeth Kay Tanner, RN, MSN, PhD, University of Alabama in Huntsville, College of Nursing
Risk analysis in vulnerable elder populations living within the community setting

Pao-Feng Tsai, RN, BSN, MS, MSN, PhD, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Nursing
Effects of non-pharmacological interventions on osteoarthritis pain

Debra Wallace, PhD, RN, University of Tennessee, College of Nursing
Health status, risks, access and service use of minority and non-minority elders

The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University, School of Education, Division of Nursing The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing seeks to shape the quality of health care that older Americans receive by promoting the highest level of competency in the nurses who deliver that care. By raising the standards of nursing care, the Hartford Institute aims to ensure that people age in comfort and dignity.