New Directions | July 2020
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A Message from the President
As we adjust to the chaos of COVID-19, let us hope that the racial, ethnic and age health disparities exposed by the pandemic will provide an opportunity for improving care to our older adults. None of the disparities is so stark as those of our vulnerable nursing home residents. In most states, almost 50% of the deaths from COVID-19 were residents of nursing homes...
Coronavirus and Older Adults
How to Combat Loneliness in Older Adults During COVID-19
Newswise — Since the COVID-19 pandemic began to sweep across the United States in early March, experts have warned that older adults are particularly vulnerable. Due to weaker immune systems and their likelihood of having chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and cancer, they are at a significantly higher risk for COVID-19 complications or death, with people over 80  184 times more likely to die from the disease  than those in their 20s. Nursing homes have been particularly hard-hit, with  a third of all U.S. COVID-19 deaths  taking place there...
How To Redesign Long-Term Care For Older Adults After Covid-19
The way we care for older adults in the US is, self-evidently, not working. In just the past three months,  at least 44,000 residents and staff  of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities have died from Covid-19. Hundreds of thousands have been sickened. And  millions have been isolated  from family and friends for months.   

Yet, this crisis did not spring from nowhere. The Covid-19 epidemic has  amplified and exposed an already deeply-flawed system  for long-term supports and services (LTSS) in the US. As tragic as this episode is, it has created an opportunity to rethink our care model from the ground up. But what would it look like?
Rush University College of Nursing (RUCON) has a long history of education excellence based on the solid foundation of the Rush Model of Nursing created by its first Dean, the legendary Dr. Luther Christman. Since 1972, more than 7,000 baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral students have graduated from RUCON. The first bachelor’s and master’s degrees were awarded in 1975, the first doctor of nursing science degree was awarded in 1980 and the first practice doctorate was awarded in 1990. Current nursing programs are offered from the master’s through the doctoral (DNP and PhD) levels. The generalist entry master’s (GEM) is the prelicensure program for entry into RN practice.
Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing Spotlight Articles
Physical Activity for LTC Residents
Tomika Williams, PhD, AGNP-C, CDP, RN
Clinical Assistant Professor
College of Nursing, East Carolina University
The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services developed national physical activity guidelines for all Americans (2018). These guidelines are inclusive of the older adult population as well. The benefits of regular physical activity are vastly known. For the older adult population, they include preventing and managing chronic disease, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, decreased risk of dementia, and preservation of physical function and mobility (USDHHS, 2018).  Currently statistics show between 28-34% of older adults participate in some form of regular physical activity.  
Sarcopenia Obesity
Justina Yi Liu, PhD, RN
Associate Professor, Deputy Director of Centre for Gerontological Nursing, 
School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
What is sarcopenic obesity?

Sarcopenic obesity, a combined condition of low muscle mass and high body fat. Compounding the effects of both sarcopenia and obesity, sarcopenic obesity has negative consequences on older adults, which can lead to metabolic problems, physical disability, poor quality of life, institutionalization, morbidity and mortality [1]. Sarcopenia and obesity may even potentiate each other and maximize the negative effects of the conditions [2]. 
Call to Action: Educating the Public about Delirium
Kimberly Oosterhouse, PhD, RN, CNE
Assistant Professor
School of Nursing, Loyola University of Chicago
“A delirium factory” is how authors described intensive care units filled with critically ill patients diagnosed with COVID-19 (Kotfis et al., 2020). Case studies highlight COVID-19 positive patients presenting in the emergency department solely with delirium and no other signs and symptoms of the infection (Alkeridy et al., 2020). These findings are just one more indicator of the significance of early recognition and treatment of patients with delirium.
Check Out This Great Read!
NHCGNE has picked their "Read of the Month"! We find great articles about nursing for you! 

As we look toward recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we overview challenges to be minimized, including economic setbacks, health and well-being effects, and highlighted ageism, racism, and classism. We articulate opportunities to be seized, including increased comfort with technology and online platforms; stronger family and intergenerational connections, renewed energy to combat social isolation; more respect for self-care and time management; increased awareness about the importance of advance directives; and, potentially, increased interest across disciplines to work on issues of aging society. Ongoing efforts to improve policies and programs for longer, healthier lives might now be more productive, as we communicate to consumers, public officials, and everyday citizens who may be more aware of what isn’t working, what is at stake, and what might be improved.
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
Heather M. Young Postdoctoral Fellowship
in Healthy Aging
The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis recruits up to three postdoctoral scholars each spring for the Heather M. Young Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. Scholars with research interests in family caregiving, development of technology to promote healthy aging as well as community-based approaches to improving quality of life, and care for older adults are especially sought.

The fellowship program is sponsored by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation in recognition of the school’s founding dean, Heather M. Young, and her career-long commitment to promote healthy aging. The fellowship was created to further advance the school’s ongoing healthy aging research and prepare future faculty to teach and continue research in healthy aging.

All fellowships are for one year with possible renewal for a second year. Scholars receive an annual salary based on the National Institutes for Health postdoctoral salary scale, University of California benefits and additional support funds for research and professional development.

Apply by July 15 for full consideration for fall 2020 fellowship.
University of Washington Post Doc Fellow Opportunity
The University of Washington School of Nursing is accepting applications for postdoctoral fellowship in Gerontological Nursing.

Qualifications
  • Complete a PhD in Nursing Science degree or related field after 2018 and by the time the position starts
  • Be eligible for U.S. employment
  • Show evidence of a program of research that supports aging
  • Preferred qualifications: Applicant is currently a registered nurse; bilingual in English/Swedish
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
  • University of Texas at Arlington
  • Oregon Health & Science University
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • University of Utah
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.
Claire Dumke Ryberg, R.N. Presidential Endowed Chair in End-of-Life/Palliative Care
Position Summary:  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 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.

Criteria : We seek a candidate who is a nationally recognized leader in end-of-life, palliative, and hospice care and whose accomplishments reflect excellence in teaching, delivering and/or coordinating clinical care, and conducting creative scholarship activities and/or research. Candidates must have an earned doctorate in nursing, and hold a current Registered Nurse (RN) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license. The ideal candidate will have evidence of high impact publications or presentations and a sustained record of scholarly activities and/or research.
Application and Inquiries:  Interested candidates can submit an online application, CV, research statement, and cover letter addressing the match with the Endowed Chair's focus at  http://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/89408

Questions about the application may be directed to the faculty affairs manager, Cami Palo at  cami.palo@nurs.utah.edu . The University of Utah Health Sciences Center (HSC) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. The University of Utah HSC values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, diversity, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.
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.
A pply 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
Professor & Endowed Chair - Gerontological Nursing
The College of Nursing and Health Innovation (“CONHI”) at the University of Texas at Arlington (“UTA”), seeks a faculty member who meets the qualifications for appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure to teach and conduct research-demonstrating leadership in gerontological nursing education. We seek a faculty member with outstanding qualifications who shares the University’s core values of high standards of excellence in innovative and collaborative research, combined with fostering an open and inclusive environment that promotes participation of underrepresented groups in research.

The College of Nursing is particularly interested in recruiting a senior nurse scientist who can make a significant contribution to the college’s overarching theme of programming and research in health and disease across the lifespan, with a focus on advancing health and the human condition through excellence in Gerontological nursing.

The ideal candidate will have a broad understanding of nursing and healthcare needs of older adults. Relevant research backgrounds will include expertise in clinical and/or outcome research important to advancing the health and quality of life of older adults. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate a commitment to diversity and equity in education through their teaching, research and service. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate a well-established program of research supported by external funded research that informs the health, care and/or quality of life of older adults.
NHCGNE's Nook
NHCGNE Members Be On The Lookout!
NHCGNE members be on the lookout for an invitation to join us for a NHCGNE Community Round Table event July 14-16. 

NHCGNE will be hosting a three-day online event for the NHCGNE Community to engage and share thoughts and ideas. Recent Town Hall participants identified a need to engage in a useful dialogue. Through Powernoodle software, NHCGNE will pose specific questions for participants to engage in a think tank space and share their thoughts and ideas.

The online space will be open for three days, so you can participate no matter what time zone you are in! Knowledge emerges in response to compelling questions, so please join us and help NHCGNE achieve their mission – to enhance and sustain the capacity and competency of nurses to provide quality care to older adults.
Say it with "Got Content"!
Next News Digest Content Submission Deadline:
September 2020
Deadline: August 20, 2020 (Publish September 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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