College of Nursing Recognized for Gerontology Commitment

The College of Nursing has been named a National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence, a designation that recognizes its commitment to gerontological nursing.

NHCGNE is dedicated to optimal health and quality of life for older adults. It recognizes nursing schools across the nation that have demonstrated commitment to the field.

“With 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 years old daily, the demands for health care and caregiving for our aging population will continue to increases for many years to come,” said Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the college. “Designation as an NHCGNE demonstrates our commitment to research, practice, and education in the area of aging, dementia, and caregiving.”

The College of Nursing has several faculty members who are conducting cutting-edge research in caring for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These researchers are working closely with colleagues at the Pat Summitt Alzheimer’s Clinic at UT Medical Center.

Through this partnership, research that addresses the needs of Tennesseans and the rural populations in Appalachia will serve to optimize clinical care for the region and may provide models for care that extend nationally and internationally.

“The needs of Tennesseans mirror the needs of patients with dementia and their family members across our country,” said Karen Rose, the college’s McMahan-McKinley Professor of Gerontology. “Our goal is to produce real-world solutions to the challenges that many people face when dealing with aging, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.”

Membership in the NHCGNE provides the college with access to leaders in the aging and gerontological nursing field, along with educational resources designed to strengthen its partners and programs.