PhD students leave mark

In the hallways of the Bott building for Nursing Education and Research, PhD students have been working hard to build their reputations in nursing research. Two students, Hesam Varpaei, and Arienne Patano, have much to celebrate. 

Hesam Varpaei has been celebrating his recent publication, which focused on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), of older patients after they have had a surgery. POCD can easily be mistaken for early Alzheimer’s disease. 

“My hope with my research is to detect POCD early so we may intervene for those who experience this,” said Varpaei. “While age is a factor we cannot change, but by improving patients sleep and promoting physical activity we can slow down and even prevent POCD.” 

Varpaei shared that his recent publication, a concept analysis of POCD, aims to clarify and define the terminology surrounding the condition.

“In the paper, we differentiate between cognitive dysfunction, which is often temporary and reversible, and cognitive decline, which is long-term and generally irreversible," Varpaei said.

Varpaei’s hope is that his publication leads to improvements in patient care and educate clinicians on POCD, so families and patients have clearer explanations about what is happening. 

“There’s a misconception that nurses only work in hospitals,” Varpaei said. “But nursing research has its own reputation and is crucial for improving patient health.”

Patano, meanwhile, was recently awarded the National League for Nursing (NLN) Foundation for Nursing Education's Nursing Education Scholarship Award. This award is designed to support nurses advancing their careers as educators, this critical step for her nursing education. 

“It is truly an honor, and I am very thankful to receive this prestigious award,” said Patano. “This scholarship helps me move toward my professional goals and further my scholarly productivity.” 

Applications were rated according to several components, including the feasibility of completing my dissertation research (e.g., IRB approval), the potential for significant contribution to nursing education, the potential for a full-time faculty position, and consistency with NLN's core values. This award is highly competitive with Patano being among the few recipients.

“My future goal is the enhancement of end-of-life care by developing curriculum that affirms competencies and skills training in providing safe and quality care to meet the needs of the growing aging population in the United States,” said Patano. “I also hope to eventually extend this work to graduate nursing curricula, with an emphasis on underserved populations to enhance health equity.”

Published Nov. 26, 2024