New Directions | September 2020
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A Message from the President / ED
During these uncertain times, resilience is key. We all know that nurses are resilient which has been regularly reinforced since the onset of the pandemic. We have adapted our daily work and found new ways to get things done. Our networking and conferences have been converted to virtual events that meet our needs in new and different ways. Your NHCGNE Leadership is working to make NHCGNE a resilient organization by looking at new ways to partner with others to achieve our objectives. 
Coronavirus and Older Adults
Why Has COVID-19 Hit Seniors So Hard?
IT TOOK SIX weeks, several long, frustrating phone calls, and a consultation with Apple Care before Laurie Jacobs got her 89-year-old father up and running on FaceTime. Jacobs, who is a geriatrician by training and is now the chair of the Department of Medicine at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, was worried about how her parents were coping during the pandemic. They live in a long-term care community, but they felt isolated and lonely. Over the phone, Jacobs couldn’t tell how her mother, who has some cognitive decline, was feeling or if she was walking comfortably. “The communication at a distance is very difficult,” she says. “You don’t always get the whole picture with an older adult on the telephone.”

And, like so many other Americans in quarantine, her parents were running out of things to do. “They seemed bored and somewhat depressed by the lack of stimulation, so further ways for them to interact was very important,” says Jacobs.
Possibilities and Limits of Telehealth for Older Adults During the COVID-19 Emergency
As the coronavirus pandemic sweeps across the U.S., millions of people around the country are living under directives to stay home to avoid risking exposure to the virus or infecting others if they are ill. To address the ongoing need for medical treatment during this time of physical distancing, there has been a rapid expansion in the availability of many health care services by telehealth, which allows physicians and other health care providers to furnish services to their patients at remote locations, including in their homes. In particular, Medicare has lifted several restrictions on who can receive telehealth and the types of services they can receive via telehealth during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This is especially important for people 65 and older, since virtually all are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill if they are infected with the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

But findings from the latest KFF Health Tracking Poll suggest telehealth might have limited reach among older adults, at least in the near term. While nearly seven in 10 adults 65 and older (68%) say they have a computer, smart phone or tablet with internet access at home (compared to virtually all adults ages 30-49 and 85% of adults ages 50-64), only 11% of people ages 65 and older say they have used a device to talk by video to a doctor or health care provider in the past two weeks (Figure 1). This is about the same percentage as among younger adults (12% of those ages 30-49 and 11% of those ages 50-64).
The Master Program of Long-term Care in Aging is situated within the College of Nursing at Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan. The program has been preparing outstanding students for careers in long-term care for aging since 2013. Students who attend the Master Program of Long-term Care in Aging can be mentored by a growing faculty of over 15 interdisciplinary academic and clinical experts. Cooperating with Center for Long-term Care Research at Kaohsiung Medical University, the Master program of Long-term Care in Aging offers innovative education to multidisciplinary students to increase their competencies for meeting healthcare needs of the aging society in Taiwan. Most of our students have great achievements and outstanding reputation in the field of healthcare in aging after graduation. 
Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing Spotlight Articles
Integrative Treatments for Chronic Disease
Kathleen Hall PhD, APRN, GNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC 
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Colorado Mesa University
The purpose of this article is to summarize the use of integrative treatments by individuals living with chronic disease. A chronic disease is defined as any disease that lasts for at least one year and requires ongoing medical attention or causes a limitation in activities of daily living or both (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 2019). Approximately 56% of adults have at least one chronic disease, while 16% of adults have four chronic diseases (Falci, Shi, & Greenlee, 2016). For providers working with older adults, it is likely that roughly one out of every two patients seen in primary care has at least one chronic disease. The most common chronic diseases include heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion, 2019). 
Supporting Older Adults: Legislative Responsibility of Nurses
Carol Amann, PhD, RN-BC, CDP, FNGNA
It is that time of year where we are bombarded with political ads, at times confusing messages and political platforms that are difficult to discern. That said, it is also a great time in our nation to let our voice be heard!

Despite the sheer volume of practicing professional nurses, political involvement of nurses has been conspicuously absent to date. Multiple research findings point to the lack of political preparation and knowledge that would allow nurse’s to confidently move forward in this practice domain as the primary barrier to answering the call for action. Comments heard by nurses in reference to health policy and political involvement is it is not an area of interest, professional responsibility, or they lack expertise to actively participate. The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses Provision nine calls for nurses individually, and through professional associations, inclusive of academia to be actively involved as advocates for health care policy and social reform (Fowler, 2010; American Nurses Association, 2015).  Additionally, the landmark report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) titled The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Healthcare (2011) calls for nurses to be an integral voice in health care reform. This holds especially true for our older adult population.
Check Out This Great Read!
NHCGNE has picked their "Read of the Month"! We find great articles about nursing for you! 

Karli McGuiness had just accepted her spot in a demanding masters program at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing when the catastrophe that has rocked the world hit the United States.

She was “amazed and inspired” to see how members of her future profession flocked to battle the coronavirus, but the dangers they faced were enough to give her pause about her newly chosen career path.

It was after “a lot of long and very honest conversations” with mentors in the health-care field that McGuiness, 33, realized her determination to pursue that path was stronger than ever.

“I don’t necessarily want to risk my health or the health of my loved ones, but the situation is horrific, and it’s affecting every single person across the globe,” McGuiness said. “My determination to become a nurse hasn’t faltered. I’m anxious and chomping at the bit to help.”
Scholarship Opportunites
Gerontological Nursing Excellence Doctoral Award
Purpose: The purpose of this award is to support doctoral scholarship by nursing PhD or DNP students that will advance knowledge in the area of gerontological nursing science and practice.

Award: 1-2 doctoral student awards will be made each year (depending on availability of funds). Awards are made to the individual and monies may be applied to school-related expenses (e.g., books, supplies, tuition) or to project-related expenses (e.g., materials, travel to research sites, participant incentives, statistical support).

Award amount: $500 per student
University of Maryland Post Doc Opportunity
The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) invites applications for postdoctoral fellowship positions in these areas of research:
  • Community Engagement/Health Disparities
  • Geriatrics/Gerontology
  • Multiomics
  • Pain and Symptom Science

Funding is provided by UMSON and/or the National Institute of Health (NIH) National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program and is a joint CTSA partnership between University of Maryland, Baltimore* and Johns Hopkins University.

*This program is a collaborative effort among University of Maryland, Baltimore Schools of Dentistry, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Social Work.
Univ. of Texas at Arlington Gero Scholarship Available!
The Department of Graduate Nursing, College of Nursing is pleased to announce a new full tuition scholarship program for eligible gerontology graduate students.

Scholarships for tuition for full-time graduate nursing students will be available beginning in the fall semester of 2019 through spring 2023 for interested and qualified students admitted to on-campus AG-ACNP, AG-PCNP, DNP, and PhD programs.
Qualifications
Scholarships will be awarded/applicants selected based on the following criteria:
  • Applicant must have a license to practice as a registered nurse in Texas or compact state.
  • Commitment to and a passion for excellence in the care of older adults.
  • Unconditional acceptance status at UTA.
  • Full time graduate enrollment of 9-10 SCH each long semester and 6 SCH in the summer semester at UTA.
  • Plans for a career devoted to the delivery of evidence based quality care to older adults or the education of nurses in the same.
Academic Opportunities
  • Oregon Health & Science University
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA Acute Care/Advanced Practice - Assistant Professor
The School of Nursing at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) seeks applications for one full-time, tenure-track, Assistant Professor faculty position.

Candidates must be nurse scientists who demonstrate exceptional promise as a principal investigator with a focused research program relevant to non-communicable disease, acute or chronic health conditions; examples include acute phases of cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease or diabetes.

Candidates must meet the academic and scholarly credentials to qualify for a tenure-track appointment at UCLA at the Assistant rank, including an earned research doctorate (PhD in nursing or related field), a defined program of research, and evidence of teaching and service excellence. Rank and salary will be commensurate with background and experience.
OHSU Faculty Position
The Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing offers an exciting opportunity and a competitive start-up package for an accomplished research faculty colleague at the Associate or Full Professor rank to join our Ph.D. program in beautiful Portland, Oregon. The successful candidate for this position will have an active research program, demonstrate a sustained record of research productivity, and an enthusiasm for advancing the next generation of nursing scientists. Quantitative or qualitative scientists with a research program that aligns with one of our Signature Science areas or areas essential to nursing (e.g., education or implementation science) are preferred.

For Confidential Inquiries Contact
Cynthia Perry (perryci@ohsu.edu), Search Committee Chair
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University is undertaking a national search for an Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

The successful candidate must champion inclusion, encourage interprofessional collaboration, and foster an environment of trust and respect. If you are a forward- thinking leader who models innovation and consensus-building, join us in our exciting initiative to develop leaders in a changing healthcare environment.

The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing (FPB) is globally recognized for its leadership in nursing, education and research. Ranked among the best nursing schools, FPB produces dynamic thinkers through innovative undergraduate and graduate programs. Its NIH-funded research, along with a focus on nursing leadership and management, makes FPB the world's nurse leadership destination.
Apply with a letter of interest and curriculum vitae to:
Carol M. Musil, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106-7343
Email: mtr2@case.edu
NHCGNE's Nook
NHCGNE is hosting a "Hybrid" Virtual Conference with some live sessions and pre-recorded breakout sessions that will be available to view at your convenience (and earn more CEUs). We know networking is important so we have allocated time for us to connect during two live sessions.

Some of the familiar activities that our attendees enjoy include the Mary Starke Harper Interview, Networking Roundtables (now Zoom Rooms), recognition of new Distinguished Educators in Gerontological Nursing, and an interactive Flash Talk poster session.

Our faculty of speakers is incredible. You will hear first-hand about the research that is going on now and find out how you can implement it into practice. In addition to the Mary Starke Harper Interview with Neville Strumpf, PhD, RN, FAAN, we are honored to have Barbara Resnick, PhD, RN, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP from the University of Maryland and Adriana Perez PhD, ANP-BC, FAAN from the University of Pennsylvania present keynote live sessions.

CEUs will be available and we will offer them as a separate registration item (more information to follow). Because we will have seven pre-recorded sessions, you will have the ability to attend more sessions than ever before and earn additional CEUs.
The NHCGNE Innovation Award recognizes and celebrates innovative programs and projects that showcases excellence in gerontological nursing.

The Award will be granted to an NHCGNE member whose work has positivley impacted the nursing care of older adults. Nominations for the NHCGNE Innovation Award are submitted by self-nomination. Nominees must be gerontological nurses from member institutions. 
Submit a poster to help showcase and advance successful models of practice, education, research and dissemination in the field of older adults and their caregivers.

Abstracts are being solicited for poster sessions only. Abstracts should be submitted via the NHCGNE website by September 15, 2020.
Say it with "Got Content"!
Next New Directions Content Submission Deadline:
November 2020
Deadline: October 20, 2020 (Publish November 5)
Newsletter submissions should be sent to Laura Elphee at info@nhcgne.org with 
NHCGNE New Directions Submission in the subject line. 
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