New Directions | September 2019
A Gerontological Nursing Publication
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A Letter from the President
In a recent report written by the Lown Institute in April 2019, a rampant drug epidemic, larger than the opioid epidemic, is discussed. This epidemic, termed “medication overload” experienced by many older adults, is well known to gerontological nurses. It isn’t surprising to nurses who care for older adults that the number of medications prescribed has risen dramatically and that with every additional medication, adverse drug events are increased by 7-10%. 
What is surprising to me is that “no health care professional group, public organization, or government agency to date has formally assumed responsibility for addressing this national problem”( Lown Institute, 2019, p.4). I have had nurse colleagues tell me that they spend substantial clinical time reconciling medication records especially on transfer of older patients among care settings. They find duplicate medications, no stop dates on medications and medications with no apparent indication for use, to name a few. We know that many older adults require medications for complex problems and the report makes the distinction between necessary polypharmacy and unnecessary medication overload. Nurses have also embraced many of the tools that can be used to make decisions about medications such as the Beers Criteria and START/STOP Criteria. In keeping with NHCGNE’s support of the Hartford Foundation’s age-friendly health care system initiative 4-essential elements; of which medications is one of these elements, I urge everyone to read this report. Nurses can have a strong voice in combatting this “hidden epidemic” by speaking out, advocating for necessary prescribing/de-prescribing and better interdisciplinary and inter-agency communication about medications.
Janet C. Mentes, PhD, APRN, BC, FGSA, FAAN
President, NHCGNE
Save the Date!
NHCGNE is coming to Austin, TX! Not sure if you should attend the 2019 Leadership Conference. Here are four good reasons you need to attend!
NHCGNE's Leadership Conference attendees are a virtual "who's who" of gerontological nursing. The biggest names in gerontological nursing will be joining us, and you will have access to them in a personal setting; You will hear about the research that is going on now and find out how you can translate findings into practice.
Have an opportunity to have a discussion with the Administrator of HRSA.  Hear firsthand what is going on at HRSA and participate in the Q&A session!
The Leadership Conference gives you a chance to meet your professional colleagues in geriatrics, and in related fields, who you can stay connected with and possibly collaborate with in the future. Recognizing the invaluable contribution of many disciplines to understanding the nature and impact of aging; NHCGNE's Leadership Conference is interprofessional in nature, with social workers, psychologists, physicians and more as speakers and attendees.   There is real opportunity for collaboration.
You will experience the excitement of being with world experts and passionate leaders. Come join us for a challenging and informative discussion.
Conference Sponsorship Opportunities
Why Sponsor?
Your support makes the NHCGNE Annual Leadership Conference the premiere event for the gerontological nursing community and is one of many reasons our attendees return year after year.
Check Out Some of the Opportunities!
CONFERENCE LANYARDS
Sponsor will get their logo on a durable neck lanyard. This lanyard will be a great keepsake! Includes all Silver Sponsor benefits.
Cost: $1,500 + Production & Shipping
CONFERENCE CEU's
Dress up this promotional hand sanitizer bottle to have your logo on this uniform! This ultra-slim bottle wears a label that looks just like nurse’s scrubs, complete with a blue V-neck scrub shirt & pocket. Includes all Friend Sponsor benefits.
Cost: $750
CONFERENCE PENS
Remind attendees who you are: have your logo on a unique 3 in 1 pen. The Twist action pen has a professional appearance with its sleek black barrel and chrome accents. The pen includes a laser and a hidden USB flash drive. Includes all Platinum Bronze benefits.
Cost: $2,000
CONFERENCE PHOTOGRAPHER
Have your logo displayed on the NHCGNE 2019 Conference Photos page. Your contribution to sponsor the conference photographer will not be overlooked! Includes all Silver Sponsor benefits.
Cost: $2,000
The University of Delaware School of Nursing (UDSON) is situated within the College of Health Sciences at UD, one of the oldest universities in the United States, with origins dating back to 1743, chartered by the state of Delaware in 1833. The UDSON is the largest educational institution of pre-licensure nursing and baccalaureate nursing within Delaware. The BSN degree is offered through three programs: a traditional, on-campus four-year program; an accelerated, second degree, on-campus 17-month program; and an online post-licensure (Registered Nurse to BSN) program. Over 700 students are enrolled across the BSN programs. 
Support NHCGNE
You can now donate to the National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence (NHCGNE)  online . 

Your generous donation will be instrumental in the development of new programs, products and services that will enable us to sustain our efforts in strengthening gerontological nursing faculty development and leadership. 

The importance of your contribution cannot be overstated. In addition to all the work that you already do on behalf of older adults, this gift further demonstrates your personal commitment to prepare our country with a competent gerontological nursing workforce. 
The Membership Committee Needs Your Help!
The Membership Committee is eager to identify prospective member schools. Do you know a geriatric nursing champion at a school that is not a member of NHCGNE? What about a Dean who is not aware of our organization? The Membership Committee is looking to connect with them but we need your help! 

If you could, please forward the names and emails of these champions and leaders and we will do the rest. The committee will provide helpful information on the benefits of membership along with an invitation to our upcoming leadership conference. We can also mention you as the referral contact, if you wish. We look forward to your referrals and growing our amazing organization.
Check Out This Great Read!
NHCGNE has picked their "Read of the Month"! We find great articles about nursing for you! 

There are so many reasons to look forward to the fall; the crisp autumn air, beautiful foliage, fun family holidays and, of course, pumpkin spice. There are so many things to do in the fall, you simply have to know how to take advantage of them. In addition to local festivals and community fairs that are happening in your neighborhood, autumn provides the perfect conditions for spending time outside.

Do You Know Someone Who's Not Getting Our Newsletters?
Let us know of people who are not already receiving the News Digest mailing list for member schools. If you know of faculty or PhD students that are not receiving this - email us at  info@nhcgne.org  with their name and email address. 
APRN Specialty Certification in Gerontology
The Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association‘s mission is to promote excellence in advanced practice nursing for the well-being of older adults. GAPNA offers its members the support they need to continue their personal and professional growth by hosting cutting-edge conferences on developments in the field, as well as by providing online educational experiences such as webinars and online courses. These tools are meant to enable each member to perform to the fullest scope of their education and potential.
This year, GAPNA supports the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission in the new APRN Specialist Certification Exam for highly skilled APRN who is looking to validate their skill in managing the care of older adults. 
Special Interest Group for International Engagement & Development (SIG-IED)
Claudia Beverly,  past president of NHCGNE, began the development of a special interest group for international development in the fall of 2017. By April 2018, the Special Interest Group (SIG) was created with representatives from domestic and international NHCGNE centers. The group was renamed the Special Interest Group for International Engagement and Development (SIG-IED). The goals established focused on promoting global membership and involvement in NHCGNE by expanding the existing networks and enhancing international members’ access to the organization’s resources.  Claudia Lai,  The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and  Elizabeth Beattie , Queensland University of Technology, serve as the Chair and Co-Chair of the SIG-IED.
Other representatives include:
  • Sherry Dahlke, University of Alberta
  • Margaret Wallhagen, University of California, San Francisco
  • Ginny Pepper, University of Utah

The SIG-IED will be sharing more information on their work and aspirations at the annual NHCGNE Leadership Conference, November 12-13, 2019 in Austin, Texas.

With the world now being regarded as a global village, international development will certainly enhance the impact of NHCGNE on capacity building of gerontological nurses worldwide, as well as on the promotion of health and quality care for older adults and their families.

If you are interested in learning more and volunteering your time to aid NHCGNE in moving forward and adopting more strategies for international engagement and development, please contact info@nhcgne.org. 
Wake Forest Baptist Health Opportunity
Say it with "Got Content"!
Next New Directions Content Submission Deadline:
November 2019
Deadline: October 20, 2019 (Publish November )
ďťżNewsletter submissions should be sent to Laura Albrecht at   info@nhcgne.org  with 
NHCGNE New Directions Submission in the subject line.  
Positions Available!
Faculty, Nurse Researcher
The Wake Forest School of Medicine and Wake Forest Baptist Health Division of Nursing invite applications from faculty candidates with a career commitment to research for a position with the School. PhD in Nursing (or DNSc) preparation is required. Candidates eligible for this position will have demonstrated strong potential for developing a program of funded scientific research, particularly in the areas of aging and population health. Those whose research aligns with other priorities in the school’s strategic plan will also be considered (Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Neuroscience, Diabetes, Regenerative Medicine).  

The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain an externally funded research program, advise nursing doctoral students, and mentor students, nursing staff and faculty in research.
Requirements:
  • PhD/DNSc
  • Strong record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Evidence of teaching and mentoring excellence as demonstrated by course evaluation summaries.
  • Strong methodological and statistical skills.
  • Effective interpersonal communication and management skills.
  • Demonstrated commitment to working with and fostering a diverse faculty, staff and student environment.
Can You Dual at OHSU?
OHSU School of Nursing seeks faculty applicants for dual roles in research and teaching. Applicants are expected to maintain active programs of research and teach primarily in the PhD and DNP programs, and they should align with our values of integrity, diversity, collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Research-intensive faculty positions are designed to advance the School of Nursing’s reputation in research at OHSU and nationally, and to contribute to the teaching mission in the development of nurse scientists at all education levels but with particular emphasis on doctoral education. Reports to the Program Director most closely aligned with incumbents’ areas of specialization.

Eligibility for Oregon RN license and PhD or other research doctorate required. The University and School are top tier research environments, and Portland Oregon ranks highly in arts, outdoor recreation, and livability.
Oregon Health & Science University is Seeking Candidates like You!
The OHSU School of Nursing seeks a visionary academic leader for the role of Sr. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs who can readily align with our values of integrity, diversity, collaboration, innovation, and excellence. We are fully committed to building a diverse organization and strongly encourage applications from minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. This role serves the School by providing:

  • Strategic Leadership
  • Academic Program Development
  • Optimization of Human and Fiscal Resources

The Sr. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (SADAA) serves as the Chief Academic Officer in the School of Nursing with responsibility for programs of excellence in teaching and learning. Leading the Office of Academic Affairs, this role lends thoughtful leadership and strategic guidance to program directors and faculty in the development, implementation and evaluation of the curricula spanning baccalaureate through doctoral education.

To discuss interest, contact Virginia Tilden, Sr. Associate Dean for Research at tildenv@ohsu.edu.

Associate Dean for Academic Programs Faculty Position 
he University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Nursing seeks dynamic, mission-minded, academic leader to maintain and grow the reputation of the College of Nursing as a regional, national, and international leader in nursing education.  

Interested individuals are asked to submit their CV and a letter addressing their experiences that fulfill the criteria for this position to Julian Tunno, Manager of Executive and Faculty Recruitment at 
jtunno@uams.edu. Contact Julian Tunno by phone at 501-686-2590.

Claire Dumke Ryberg, R.N. Presidential Endowed Chair in End-of-Life/Palliative Care 
The University of Utah College of Nursing seeks an established, visionary scholar to fill the Claire Dumke Ryberg, R.N. Presidential Endowed Chair in End-of-Life/Palliative Care. The Endowed Chair primarily will teach end-of-life, palliative, and hospice care courses/course content, and/or provide clinical care, as well as advance the discovery, organization, transmission, and/or application of knowledge to improve the unique health care needs of patients near the end of life. The Endowed Chair is a 5-year tenure-line or career-line appointment, renewable upon successful review. Academic rank and salary for this full-time, 12-month appointment will be commensurate with qualifications.  

Endowed Professorship Position In Gerontology
The University of Iowa College of Nursing seeks an established senior faculty member in gerontological nursing to support the mission of the college and provide leadership and mentorship in research and gerontological initiatives through collegiate and interdisciplinary aging opportunities, including the Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence, the Center on Aging, and the Aging Mind and Brain Initiative. The candidate will join a dynamic faculty within a collaborative research university with excellence in aging research. Excellent interdisciplinary collaboration potential also exists through the interdisciplinary Geriatric Education Center, Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, National Health Law and Policy Resource Center, Public Policy Center, Institute of Neuroscience, and other health care networks. 

Qualifications:
  • Earned doctorate in nursing or a doctorate in a related field with a graduate degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing
  • Must be eligible for or currently licensed to practice nursing in the state of Iowa
  • Focused program of research related to gerontological nursing
  • Evidence of Intraprofessional collaboration to advance team science
  • Distinguished record of substantial external research funding
Associate Dean of the PhD Program
The University of Maryland, School of Nursing (UMSON) is seeking a dynamic academic leader for the role of Associate Dean of the PhD Program who can align with our core values: accountability, civility, collaboration, diversity, excellence, knowledge, leadership. The Associate Dean of the PhD Program is member of the Dean’s leadership team and collaborates with other Associate Deans, Department Chairs, and faculty to advance the strategic goals of the school. This position reports to the Dean and is 50% administrative, while the remainder will be devoted to one’s own research, practice, teaching and service.

Qualifications:
  • PhD or equivalent research intensive doctoral degree in Nursing or related field
  • Evidence of sustained program of research in areas aligned with UMSON and affiliated university recognized organized research centers (Biology and Behavior Across the Lifespan Organized Research Center, Center for Health Outcomes Research, Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research)
  • Experience chairing PhD dissertation committees in Nursing or related discipline
  • Demonstrated leadership and communication skills
  • Eligible for appointment as tenured associate or full professor
  • Eligible to serve as a regular faculty member of the UMB Graduate School