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The Connell School of Nursing has been named a National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence (NHCGNE), a designation that recognizes CSON’s commitment to gerontological nursing.
The NHCGNE is a collaboration between the Gerontological Society of America’s Coordinating Center and schools of nursing across the nation that have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to the field of gerontological nursing.
Funded primarily by the John A. Hartford Foundation, NHCGNE’s mission is to enhance the quality of nursing care for older adults through faculty development, advancing gerontological nursing science, facilitating adoption of best practices, fostering leadership and designing and shaping policy.
Connell School Dean and Professor Susan Gennaro called this designation “a wonderful benchmark” and praised Associate Professor of Adult Health Marie Boltz and Assistant Professor of Adult Health Stewart Bond, nationally known gerontological nurse experts, for their efforts in helping achieve NHCGNE membership.
“Both Dr. Boltz and Dr. Bond are nurses who are not only dedicated to the care of the elderly but are also visionary leaders. They value the power of being able to work with other nurse leaders across the country in ensuring that the best care is being given to our older patients,” said Gennaro. “This designation will help our other gerontological nurses thrive and ensure that our students will also thrive.”
“This is an honor and a recognition,” said Bond, who cited CSON faculty comments and the support of the school’s leadership as aiding the application. “The Hartford Center recognizes the strengths in the Connell School of Nursing’s research, practice, education and leadership in gerontological nursing.”
Boltz called the NHCGNE “the gold standard in gerontological nursing.”
The two noted that NHCGNE membership offers CSON faculty the potential to collaborate and consult with other educators on research and curricula, as well as with linkages to international and interprofessional partners in the field, to strengthen and deepen CSON’s strong base in gerontological nursing.
“Only schools of nursing that have demonstrated a commitment to the field of gerontological nursing and share a vision of optimal health and quality of life for older adults are invited to apply for membership,” said Boltz.