Expanded Learning and Dedication to Elders
in the Region (ELDER) Project Department of Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions,
Division of Nursing
CGEP HRSA-06-012
The School of Nursing was awarded $467,845.00 by DHHS/HRSA/BHPr/DON for the period from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2009 to conduct the above titled Comprehensive Geriatric Education Program (CGEP) grant. The intent of this federal grant is to support the development of the nursing workforce by providing education to registered nurses and all other levels of nursing personnel in providing geriatric care and thereby improving the quality of care for older adults. For the ELDER Project, Fairfield University School of Nursing is partnering with Southwest Community Health Center, the Visiting Nurse Services of Connecticut, the Carolton Chronic & Convalescent Hospital Inc., and St. Joseph's Manor to target nursing personnel who work with low-income older adults in the greater Bridgeport area.
Purpose
The purpose of the grant, under the direction of the Principal Investigator, Philip A. Greiner, DNSc, RN and co-Principal Investigator, Jean Lange, PhD, RN, is to provide geriatric nursing best practices education to RNs and LPNs, and develop a new curriculum derived from nursing best practices for nursing aides to improve care for older adults.
The five goals of the ELDER Project include: (1) prepare RNs and LPNs in best practices for geriatric nursing; (2) educate Nursing Assistants to use better assessment, communication, and reporting skills; (3) improve decision-making and team work to improve quality care provision for older adults; (4) consult with agencies to design mechanisms for planned sustainability; and (5) create educational opportunities for staff to increase the number and diversity of the nursing workforce.
The ELDER Project is innovative in that it targets provider organizations across care platforms (ambulatory care, home care, & nursing homes) that provide services to low-income older adults. In addition to developing the best practices curricula for two levels of practice, the project team will develop simulation experiences for practicing best practice scenarios in various settings. The project team will include Diane Mager, Project Manager; Suzanne Campbell, PhD, APRN; Joyce Shea, PhD, APRN; and Meredith Wallace, PhD, APRN. duBay-Horton Associates will provide external evaluation throughout the grant period.
Missionand Vision of the Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions
Mission: Improve the health status of the population by providing national leadership in the development, distribution and retention of a diverse, culturally competent health workforce that provides the highest quality care for all.
Vision: A nation in which universal access and utilization of quality health care are provided, health workforce shortages are eliminated, health disparities are overcome, prevention is emphasized and health outcomes are optimal for all.
Community Partner
SouthwestCommunity Health Center
Katherine Yacavone, CEO & President
361 Bird Street
Bridgeport, CT 06605
Visiting Nurse Services of Connecticut, Inc
Mary Linda Rivera, ND, RN, Executive Vice President and COO
765 Fairfield Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Carolton Chronic & Convalescent Hospital, Inc.
Thomas J. Tortora, Administrator
400 Mill Plain Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
St. Joseph's Manor
Sr. Michelle Anne Reho, Administrator
6448 Main Street
Trumbull, CT 06611-2075
Contact Information
Philip Greiner, DNSc, RN
Associate Professor and Health Promotion Center Director
(203) 254-4000, ext. 2718 (Office)
(203) 254-4150 (Facsimile)
pgreiner@mail.fairfield.edu
Jean W. Lange, Ph.D., RN, Project Director
Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director
(203) 254-4000, ext. 2713 (Office)
(203) 254-4150 (Facsimile)
jlange@mail.fairfield.edu |
