SCHOLAR DIRECTORY

As a critical care nurse working in the hospital setting, I have 32 years of experience in caring for the acutely ill populations including patents with congestive heart failure (CHF). My areas of interest are in cardiology, self-care and quality of living for our patients and families. In my clinical nurse specialist (CNS) role, we are seeking to reduce our 30-day readmission rates for CHF patients. To accomplish this, we must look at improved patient education and improved communication modalities. Motivational interviewing and the use of home tele monitoring can be an adjunct to improving self-care and self-management of this chronic disease management process. Patient perceptions and adherence with home tele monitoring is also of interest. There is not cure for CHF. Therefore, I am also interested in the transition for acute disease management to the palliative care focus, while maximizing quality of living. I have been recognized in the San Diego community as an outstanding Advanced Practice Nurse (2013 award). The PhD education, which I am obtaining at the University of San Diego, is providing me with the foundational knowledge in how to improve my knowledge and skills as a nurse scientist. In my CNS role, I am leading groups of interprofssionals on several committees and councils. I plan to use my newly obtained knowledge to strengthen my leadership skills and continue my pursuit of various forms of nursing research