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RESEARCH:
My research focus involves symptom management in palliative care.
I am the recent recipient of a K07 award from the National Cancer
Institute exploring the variables of income and race on symptoms
and symptom management barriers in women with metastatic breast
cancer. Additional ongoing research is describing the course of
treatment, reported symptoms and clinical attention to end of life
as women receive sequential palliative chemotherapy in metastatic
breast cancer. I work collaboratively with the University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center Palliative Care Service and the University of Pittsburgh
Cancer Institute in research capacities.
I am interested in the unique holistic approach that nursing brings
to the palliative care setting. I believe that nursing, and in particular
advanced practice nurses, can be utilized to improve outcomes for
patients with metastatic cancer.
TEACHING:
I am the founder and director of the Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. I have
been been an oncology nurse and nurse practitioner for over 20 years
and pioneered the role of the oncology nurse practitioner in the
Pittsburgh area. I teach the didactic content and supervise clinical
for the oncology portion of the oncology nurse practitioner program.
I also teach cancer content throughout the undergraduate and graduate
curriculum.
My senior elective cancer course, NUR 1610 is "Exploring Cancer
Care". This course explores cancer topics and illustrates the
contribution of nursing in the care of cancer patients and their
families. This course is part of an ongoing research project evaluating
the effect of this highly specialized education on the student's
decision for first area of employment.
SERVICE:
I maintain a clinical practice as a nurse practitioner through the
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute/Magee Womens Hospital.
I am also an active member of the Cancer Working Group through the
Center for Minority Health/Health Promotion Campaign. This group
develops and implements cancer information programs for African
American families.
I am an active member of several nurse practitioner organizations,
locally and nationally. These include the American Nurses Association,
Pennsylvania Nurses Association and membership on the Board of Directors
for District 6, PNA. I am a longtime active member of the Oncology
Nurses Society, including the local Greater Pittsburgh chapter.
I was recently elected to the Board of Directors as member at large.
Within the Oncology Nursing Society, I am a member of the special
interest groups for nurse practitioners and nurse researchers.
BACKGROUND:
| Education |
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| BSN |
Carlow College, Pittsburgh, PA
Nursing |
| MSN |
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Family Nurse Practitioner |
| PhD |
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Nursing |
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