08/1 - University Of Scranton Professor Selected As A Post-Doctoral Fellow In Gerontologic Nursing

Margarete Lieb Zalon, Ph.D., R.N., G.N.P., a professor of nursing at The University of Scranton, has been named a fellow in the John A. Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing 2002 Geriatric Research Scholars and Fellows Program, part of the New York University Division of Nursing.

Dr. Zalon, Waymart, was selected for having conducted significant research in gerontologic nursing and for her strong leadership potential. She is one of 11 outstanding nursing faculty from the northeast region who were selected for this program, now in its fifth year, which fosters new gerontological nursing researchers with the goal of improving the quality of health care for older adults.

The focus of Dr. Zalon's research is the intensity of acute pain and post-operative recovery in older adults. Dr. Zalon, who is currently president of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, is committed to working with the elderly, especially within her community in northeastern Pennsylvania. She has completed a number of research studies, and her work has been published in several journals including the Journal of Nursing Education and Image: Journal of Nursing Scholarship.

"Our program brings together outstanding new scholars who are conducting significant research in gerontologic nursing and gives them an opportunity to interact with leading experts in the field," says Terry Fulmer, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., co-director of the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing. "This unique opportunity to hone research skills helps these individuals gain the competitive edge they need to attract research funding and publish the results."

Dr. Zalon joined The University of Scranton's Department of Nursing in 1988 and was named a professor of nursing in 2000. She was previously a staff nurse at New York University Medical Center. From 1981 to 1988 she was director of the School of Nursing at Community Medical Center.

Dr. Zalon is a member of the National League for Nursing, the Pennsylvania League of Nursing and Eastern Nursing Research Society. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, Upsilon and Iota Omega Chapters, and the International Association of the Study of Pain.

Dr. Zalon earned her bachelor of science degree from Duke University, Durham, N.C., and both her master of arts degree and her Ph.D. in nursing from New York University, New York, N.Y.

In the first part of the 2002 Geriatric Research Scholars and Fellows Program, the 11 scholars and fellows attended an intensive week-long seminar, held at New York University. During this time, they met with nationally recognized experts in geriatric nursing, addressed issues and obstacles in undertaking high-quality research, and received individual mentoring and critiquing.

In the second part of the program, the three fellows, including Dr. Zalon, will pursue research assisted by a $5,000 award from the program. Each fellow will continue to work with a mentor for two months following the seminar.

Annually, the Hartford Institute chooses scholars and fellows from a different region of the United States. The 2003 fellows and scholars will be selected from among midwestern health care institutions. For information on the 2003 Hartford Institute Geriatric Nursing Research Seminar, visit the Hartford Institute Web site at www.hartfordign.org.

The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing seeks to shape the quality of health care that older Americans receive by promoting the highest level of geriatric competency in all nurses who deliver care. By raising the standards of nursing care, the Hartford Institute aims to ensure that people age in comfort and dignity. Its initiatives include education, practice, research, and policy, and consumer education.