Lyda Arevalo, M.S.N., R.N., a clinical assistant professor of acute nursing at the Health Science Center, is the first nursing school faculty member to be named a Nurse Scholar of the Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity program (BAGNC). The prominent, multi-million dollar program launched by the John A. Hartford Foundation and the American Academy of Nursing in 2000, selected only a handful of scholars nationwide to join the program that is committed to improving care for the elderly.
Arevalo received a two-year grant of more than $80,000 to further her study that is directly related to the geriatric population. The study, called “The perception of burden by Latino Alzheimer’s caregivers,” focuses on both the positive and negative effects caretaking has on Latinos who care for loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
“In a pilot study we’ve already discovered that when Latinos are asked to communicate in English, their descriptions of caretaking are much more negative than when they speak in Spanish – their first language,” Arevalo said. “This Hartford grant will help me to focus on qualitative explorations. It will allow us to eventually develop better methods and instruments for Latino caregivers who often become depressed due to both cultural and language barriers.”
Selection into the BAGNC program introduces Arevalo to a network of high-achieving professionals in gerontological nursing who are now alumni of the program. Arevalo was selected based on her current and previous studies, education and experiences, and recommendations from Robin Froman, Ph.D., R.N., dean of the School of Nursing; supervisors; faculty members; and each member of the mentoring team.
Dean Froman said that “this award and recognition are doubly beneficial for Lyda. Not only does the award help fund the immediate requirements of her much needed research, the Hartford recognition is extremely prestigious and will distinguish her in further funding applications throughout her career.”
“Without the help of my dedicated mentors, I would have never received this prestigious recognition,” Arevalo said. “Dr. Sharon Lewis, also in the acute care nursing department, and Dr. Carrie Braden, associate dean for research in the nursing school, were instrumental in my receiving this award.”
Arevalo joined the Health Science Center in 1999 as a teaching assistant. She came aboard as a full-time faculty member in 2000.
She said her long-term goal is to be part of a multidisciplinary research team that addresses the needs of Latino caregivers. Arevalo said one of her greatest passions is helping students grow.
“I enjoy working with Latino and other foreign students,” Arevalo said. “They are very close to my heart and I love to watch them succeed.”
For more information about the BAGNC program, visit
www.geriatricnursing.org.
