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Laying the Groundwork

Dana L. Carthron, PhD, RN

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Dana L. Carthron, PhD, RN
Dana L. Carthron, PhD, RN, conducts research on grandmothers raising grandchildren with a focus on issues surrounding older women caregivers who have diabetes. “I want to change policy for older African- American women who have difficulty taking care of their diabetes while being primary caregivers for their grandchildren” she says.

Dr. Carthron, who completed her doctoral work at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing in Little Rock, recognizes the importance of academic leadership to bring about social change. As a Hartford predoctoral BAGNC scholar (2007 to 2009), she wanted to advance her career so she can make a difference in the lives of older adults.

While developing her knowledge and skills, she has started laying the groundwork for her academic career, thanks to the BAGNC scholarship program and the two Leadership Conferences she attended. “I thought I knew where I wanted to go, but I didn’t realize how many opportunities there are for geriatric nurses,” says Dr. Carthron.

The Leadership Conferences were especially transformational. “I was able to speak to people I never would have had access to,” she says. Nursing leaders like J. Taylor Harden, PhD, RN, Assistant to the Director for Special Populations, National Institute on Aging, offered advice and encouragement. “Talking to an African-American nurse in a position of authority affirmed my goals for the future and was exciting,” says Dr. Carthron.

Dr. Dana Carthron with grandmother and grandchild. Dr. Carthron assesses the grandmother for diabetes.

“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in the BAGNC program is how to be a better advocate for older adults,” says Dr. Carthron. Using the communication skills she learned, she is raising her visibility within her community by speaking at seminars for older adults with diabetes and health professionals who care for older diabetic patients. “The BAGNC program taught me the skills to be a better speaker,” says Dr. Carthron, who was coached by mentors about how to more effectively convey her ideas.

She has also become active as a leader in professional organizations. She is the president of the Little Rock Black Nurses Association. “The BAGNC program gave me the confidence to take on that position,” she says. Through connections she made in the BAGNC program, she became involved with the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurses Associations. Working toward her goal of influencing public health policy, she was one of the students selected by the National Minority Quality Forum to be trained in effective lobbying of political leaders and policy makers. “These opportunities would not have been available if I hadn’t been a BAGNC scholar,” she says.

At a Southern Nursing Research Society (SNRS) conference several years ago, Dr. Carthron met Lenora R. Campbell, DSN, RN, who also conducts research on health issues faced by grandparents who are primary caregivers of grandchildren. Because of their mutual research interest, Drs. Campbell and Carthron stayed in touch and decided to conduct a symposium at the 2009 SNRS conference titled “Challenges and Needs of Custodial Grandmothers.” They are also considering ways they might collaborate on research projects.

Dr. Campbell, who is Associate Dean, Division of Nursing, Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, is impressed with Dr. Carthron’s strong commitment to the older adult population with whom she works and to the education of nursing students who care for older patients. “She is tenacious in her desire to make a difference for both of these groups,” says Dr. Campbell.


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Mentoring Matters
Lazelle Benefield, PhD, RN ›