Research

Jean K. Berry, PhD, RN, CNP, Funded Projects

 

Addressing Cardio-Metabolic Risk in Advanced Practice Nursing

Funding Source: Health Resources and Services Administration

Dates: 7/1/08– 6/30/11

Co-Investigators: Sandra Burgener, Lauretta Quinn, Eva Smith, Connie Zak

Abstract: The purpose of this continuation application for our current successful Adult/Geriatric Advanced Practice Nurse (A/G APN) is to add a new cardiometabolic specialty concentration at the 5 campuses (4 rural regional campuses and Chicago) of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Nursing (CON). Our current A/G APN Program has successfully produced APNs who skillfully address health care needs in diverse populations. However, we identified a need for specialty curricular content to address the overwhelming incidence of chronic, non-communicable cardiometabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, stroke, and cardiovascular disease accounting for about 60% of deaths worldwide. Dramatic increases in diabetes and obesity in the U.S. contribute to drastic rises in cardiometabolic disorders and related morbidity and mortality. Increased management skills and prevention measures are urgently need for these diseases, and this content will be developed to enhance the current course material and clinical experiences and be offered for certification, continuing education (CE), and post-master's training. The program scope will include content for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner students to prepare for managing severe complications of these metabolic diseases in acute and non-acute settings. UIC is dedicated to meeting the needs of underserved populations, and the incidence of cardiometabolic disorders is significantly higher in these populations. Of Illinois’ 102 counties, 84 are considered rural by the Center for Rural Health of the Illinois Department of Public Health; 25 are medically underserved areas (MUAs); 25 are Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs); and 5 are both MUAs and HPSAs. The proposed continuation project is charged with preparing MUA, rural, and urban providers who will serve these populations. Objectives of this project are to (1) develop and implement a Cardiometabolic Advanced Practice Nursing specialty program throughout our adult programs based on specific populations with metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemias and other cardiometabolic disorders; (2) recruit, admit and retain 24 cardiometabolic APN students with particular attention to underrepresented students and students planning to practice in rural areas or with underserved populations; (3) recruit and develop clinical preceptors in sites throughout Illinois that serve a high percentage of patients with cardiometabolic disorders, with attention to those in underrepresented groups and MUAs; (4) establish and strengthen linkages with faculty, clinical agencies and other health care provider groups and leaders in the fields of diabetes, obesity, and other cardiometabolic disorders to provide clinical practica for this specialty and project sites where students can develop master's projects around clinical cardiometabolic disorder topics, as well as future employment opportunities for graduates. Graduates will be prepared with didactic knowledge and management skills to qualify for their specialty APN certification exams, as well as the Certified Diabetes Educator Exam and Advanced Diabetes Management Certification Exam.