SCHOLAR DIRECTORY

Melanie A. Horning, BSN, RN earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology cum laude from the University of Baltimore, where she was a Wilson Scholar. She subsequently earned an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at the University of Delaware. She has worked for The University of Maryland Harford Memorial Hospital as a medical-surgical nurse since 2006, periodically within the charge nurse role overseeing her 38-bed unit, as well as within a mentoring capacity. Ms. Horning has extensive experience working as a nurse-preceptor and has mentored 18 newly graduated nurses, six newly hired experienced nurses, two University of Delaware RN-Refresher students, and one Stevenson University BSN student. Ms. Horning is currently enrolled in the Nursing Science Doctoral Program at the University of Delaware, working as a research assistant for Dr. Regina Wright on her National Institute of Health (NIH) funded Healthy Heart and Minds Study, administering a battery of cognitive tests to elder adults, gaining research experience while collaborating with a team. Ms. Horning’s personal research focus is end-of-life conversations between primary care providers and their patients while in the out-patient setting. Drawn towards advocacy for the terminally ill, Ms. Horning will through scholarship, promote end-of-life experiences that are in alignment with articulated wishes; ameliorating suffering and increasing the psychological well-being of patients and their families. Ms. Horning’s in-class research projects have explored primary care providers’ experiences with end-of-life conversational barriers and facilitators in the out-patient setting.