Skip to main content
NCBI home page
NIHPA Author Manuscripts logoLink to NIHPA Author Manuscripts
. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2018 May 17.
Published in final edited form as: J Nurs Scholarsh. 2017 Nov 14;50(1):20–27. doi: 10.1111/jnu.12359

Developing and Sustaining a Career as a Transdisciplinary Nurse Scientist

Kathleen T Hickey 1
PMCID: PMC5956899  NIHMSID: NIHMS963762  PMID: 29135066

One of the key elements to advancing nursing scholarship is the recognition of the critical role of the nurse scientist as an essential member of many diverse transdisciplinary teams. Although nurses have long engaged in interdisciplinary approaches (working with multiple disciplines yet maintaining boundaries), only more recently have they become part of transdisciplinary research teams. This is defined by “full investigatory partnership, credit-sharing, and recognition of nursing’s unique contribution to the phenomena under consideration, and the development of new definitions and methods” (Grey &Connolly, 2008, pg. 102). However, confusion exists among researchers and clinicians regarding the definition of transdisciplinarity specifically as it relates to health care and the term continues to be inappropriately used and often confused with multidisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity definitions (Van Bewer, 2017). The lack of clarity and the use of concepts interchangeably among professionals can hinder the potential of the impact of transdisciplinarity from being reached especially among the next generation of nursing scholars. Rosenfield’s definition of multidisciplinarity describes teams as working in parallel from a discipline specific framework to address common problems (Rosenfield, 1992) whereas interdisciplinary describes teams as working together jointly and sharing concepts, theories and approaches across disciplines. A recently completed content analysis (Van Bewer, 2017) critically examined the literature across multiple databases and disciplines and provides a healthcare definition of transdisciplinarity as transcending discipline boundaries, and includes a sharing of knowledge and decision making, a focus on real world problems and the inclusion of multiple stakeholders including patients, families and their communities (Van Bewer, 2017).

The conceptual model created by the author illustrates the overlapping sources on which the author was able to build a career as a transdisciplinary nurse scientist. While in this representation the circles are of equal size, depending on the individual’s career trajectory, one particular area may have more emphasis compared to others. Central to the circles is the transdisciplinary nurse scientist and the circles represent the overall complex skills necessary to develop a successful career as a nurse scientist (Figure 1). This model is not all inclusive, the necessary elements may differ based on the individual’s focus area.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

Open in a new tab

Model of the elements that intersect to develop a career as a transdisciplinary nurse scientist

The purpose of this article is to highlight essential elements needed to foster and sustain a career as a transdisciplinary nurse scientist while providing specific real world examples and strategies of how this can be achieved. As defined by the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), nurse scientists study individuals and their response to illness by utilizing data and observations derived from clinical settings (Grady, 2010).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education

One critical element to a successful career in nursing is an early, integrated exposure to research, education, and clinical practice (Boland, Kamikawa, Inouye, Latimer & Marshall, 2010). Baccalaureate nursing students have reported a discrepancy between what they learn in the classroom and what they learn during their clinical rotations (Flood & Robinia, 2014). Reasons for this discrepancy may include inexperienced faculty members unable to bridge the gap for students, instructors who have long been removed from clinical scenarios, or a general shortage of stellar nurse educators (Flood & Robinia, 2014). To assure that nurses are adequately prepared for a transdisciplinary career, classroom and clinical learning must be melded to yield nurses who are able to work effectively in complex healthcare environments and systems. As a result, the changes and advances being implemented in the real world of healthcare will be reflected in practice (Lewis, Stephens & Ciak, 2016).

Since the 1970s, research began its integration into nursing baccalaureate programs, with nurse leaders implementing different practices to educate their students on research protocols and practices (Tsai, Cheng, Chang & Liou, 2014). According to some nurse educators, it is difficult to do this because students may not understand the nature of certain research projects and/or have difficulty with the clinical application of the research (Tsai, Cheng, Chang & Liou, 2014). Nurse educators believe that research courses may not be interesting for students, or that students are oftentimes more focused on “concrete tasks” of their education, such as passing their exams and going through clinical rotations (Kennel, Burns & Horn, 2009). In order for future nurses to succeed and develop the skills necessary to build and sustain a successful transdisciplinary career, they must have early exposure to research and strong clinical experiences that melds new scientific advancements, for example in the area of “omics” (i.e., genomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, proteomics). The importance of exposure to current and emerging scientific approaches is also essential to educating future nurse scientists and ensuring they are competitive and have sustainable and novel programs of research (Conley et al., 2015).

Nurse scientists and the Electronic Health Record

Nurses must specifically, “be prepared … to manage accountable care organizations that make effective use of emerging technologies that are implemented through an interprofessional team approach” (Gerard, Kazer, Babington, & Quell, 2014, pg. 330). For example, the Electronic Health Record (EHR) is one such area where nurses are contributing to topics such as how best to communicate and share a family health history, genomic health information, privacy and confidentiality issues, access to care in the community, bio-banking and the overall impact of undergoing genetic testing in many diverse populations (Williams et al., 2015). Nursing education exposure to big data and the potential utility of the EHR in nursing programs is one approach to enhance exposure and the opportunity for nurse scientists to contribute their expertise. However, this also raises important questions and challenges such as how best to train the nursing workforce and next generation of nurse scientists on topics such as research using the EHR, genomics and advances in technology that are being integrated into all aspects of healthcare. Consider what approaches work best to teach nurses and advance practice nurses to recognize “red flags” with the EHR, family history, or on a physical exam or electrocardiogram (ECG) that may indicate an underlying genetic condition. Additionally, consider how best to expose early career nurse scientists to diverse teams and approaches to truly guide them as they develop and ultimately sustain cutting edge career trajectories while meeting their educational and competency requirement and completing their nursing education.

Evolving mobile health technologies in health care

To account for the newly developing technologies and needs of the healthcare system, it is important for curriculums to adapt and keep pace with the latest information and advances in health. For example, topics in mobile health are being integrated into clinical and research curriculums across the nation (Sakakibara et al., 2017) with the expansion and usage of so many new technologies in clinical practice and research endeavors. In fact, more patients are utilizing technology to engage, monitor, mange, and communicate their health findings via smartphone applications, wearable devices, and patient portals (Gerard, Kazer & Babington, et al, 2014). Nurse scientists are ideally suited to lead the way in integrating innovative mobile health approaches targeting improvements in health outcomes of not only individuals but their caregivers. With the aging population and continued increase in life expectancy across the globe, caring for patients living with multiple comorbidities is a reality (Modig, Andersson, Vaupel, Rau & Ahlbom, 2017). The National Institute of Nursing Research and its partners have recognized this concern and will hold a summit (May 2017) to provide perspectives across the spectrum of caregiving, including the importance of caregiving across the lifespan and future directions for research. A key aspect of this summit is that it will bring together an audience of researchers, advocates, healthcare providers, educators, the media and others interested in the science of caregiving and exemplify a transdisciplinary approach to caregiving and a future area for nurse scientists.

Building and Sustaining a Career as a Nurse Scientist in the Real World: Atrial Fibrillation as an Exemplar

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and many other heart-related issues and affects over 2.7 million Americans (AHA, 2017). In fact, individuals living with AF are 5 times more likely to suffer a stroke as compared to those who have a normal heart rhythm, further highlighting the significance of the problem (AHA, 2017). As a result, the burden to society due to the staggering hospitalization costs, strokes and mortality associated with AF within the U.S. healthcare system alone is estimated at 26 billion dollars (Cutugno, 2015). AF is an epidemic and growing public health concern. In fact, AF is the most common cardiac arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice, which increases in prevalence with advancing age and the presence of co-existing cardiac risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart failure and increased alcohol intake (Yancy, et al, 2017). Consequently, the incidence of AF is expected to double over the next 50 years (Cutugno, 2015) and highlights one of many areas where a plethora of clinical and research questions remain to be answered by the next generation of nurse scientists. Researchers have already demonstrated that patients who are discharged with a team led by nurses and/or nurse practitioners are less likely to be readmitted to the hospital, have shorter hospital stays, and have fewer adverse outcomes as compared with standard of care approaches not led by a nurse (Cutugno, 2015).

Symptom self-management and chronic conditions

Nurse scientists are also currently conducting research focused on symptom self-management, quality of life and approaches aimed at earlier detection of AF using advancements in ECG mobile health technology aimed at improving health (Hickey, et al, 2016). It is also important to recognize the many debilitating symptoms associated with AF, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, exercise intolerance and sleep disturbances (McCabe, Rhudy, Chamberlain & DeVon, 2016) to name a few. The ongoing research conducted by nurse scientists continues to play an influential role in helping individuals recognize, manage and alleviate their symptoms. One important issue related to AF is the difficulty of diagnosing and detecting AF, particularly when the patient is asymptomatic or may simply ignore symptoms such as fatigue and assume such symptoms are “normal” age related changes (Brachmann, et al, 2016). Additionally, symptoms of AF can mimic symptoms associated with other cardiac and non-cardiac underlying conditions (Hickey, et al, 2016). This highlights the many areas associated with chronic conditions and symptom self-management where nurses can make a significant impact on improving the health of the nation while also sustaining and evolving their career trajectory. However, in order to ensure this becomes a reality, it is vital that nurses have early clinical and research exposure, mentoring, and opportunities for “hands on” engagement in many diverse areas that can be easily accessible and integrated into the clinical, research and education curriculums across all schools of nursing, from the undergraduate to the doctoral level.

Real-World Technologies Integrated into Research Approaches by a Nurse Scientist

Early electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring is a valuable tool to help patients detect cardiac abnormalities before experiencing the potentially lethal consequences of an arrhythmia (irregular heart beat). Studies have shown that patients who monitor their ECGs are more likely to prevent mortality, as their self-monitoring may lead to the early identification of arrhythmias that might have otherwise gone undetected. Self-monitoring and early detection may lead to interventions such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) devices aimed at treatment (Hickey, et al, 2010). Healthcare providers are encouraged to target patients at-risk for cardiac disease (based on age, comorbidities, etc.) and provide them with the tools to actively self-monitor in order to maintain their optimum health (Hickey, et al, 2010). In fact, real-world, easy-to-use, non-invasive technologies are being marketed so that patients are purchasing them and utilizing them effectively to track their heart rate, diet, exercise and symptoms. One such device is the AliveCor™ Heart Monitor, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved portable device that transmits an ECG to an application on a smartphone, which is able to detect and distinguish abnormal rhythms such as AF from a normal heart rhythm. The efficacy of this device has been proven in several studies, and is shown to have has high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (Hickey, et al, 2016) (Chan, et al, 2016). As health technologies become more widespread and continue to be utilized by individuals to self-monitor for cardiac abnormalities or arrhythmias, clinicians and nurses in particular must adapt to assure they are integrating state of the art real-world approaches to their research and clinical practices including patients, families and communities. In addition, exposure and participation of junior faculty on such clinical and research teams will guide their development into the next generation of nurse scholars.

Building a Sustainable Program of Research

Initial pilot research funded by a R03 grant from the NINR demonstrated the utility of cardiac arrhythmia screening in a primarily underserved, urban, elderly population living with co-existing chronic conditions on the ability to detect previously unrecognized AF (Hickey, et al, 2013). In addition, other cardiac arrhythmias (bradycardia and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia) were also recorded; these led to more timely clinical intervention such as implantation of a pacemaker or ICD in patients who otherwise would not have received them, possibly preventing additional adverse clinical outcomes during follow up. It is important to examine whether monitoring high-risk populations with or without symptoms that may be associated with AF or another underlying arrhythmia is effective. Additionally, how such advances in ECG monitoring and other wearable technologies be used by patients and families to self-monitor, diagnose and distinguish the etiology of symptoms to improve patient outcomes and quality of life (QoL) must be determined. For example, symptoms such as shortness of breath and/or fatigue may be related to AF versus several other underlying chronic conditions such as heart failure (Kirchhof, et al, 2012). Self-monitoring may help patients better recognize triggers of their AF by capturing AF in the setting of symptoms. For example, moderate alcohol intake is a known trigger for AF and increased dietary sodium intake is a well-known associate of heart failure (Yancy, et al, 2017). Treatment led by nurse scientists may improve the quality of life of those living with chronic conditions by increasing their engagement and knowledge about the importance of lifestyle modifications.

Technology, Clinical Practice and Quality of Life focused research

The AliveCor™ device, (Figure 2) in particular, promotes patient engagement (Figure 2a), and encourages patients to take an active role in monitoring their own cardiac health (Figure 2b). While several studies have established the sensitivity and specificity of the mobile health ECG monitoring device (Desteghe, et al, 2017), no study to date has investigated the effect on clinical outcomes (Hickey, et al, 2017). The ongoing NINR funded R01 entitled iPhone Helping Evaluate Atrial Fibrillation Rhythm through Technology Study (iHEART) (R01NR014853) will be the first prospective, randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether ECG monitoring with the AliveCor™ device in the real world setting will improve the time to detection and treatment of recurrent AF over a six-month period as compared to usual cardiac care. In addition, the iHEART study will also evaluate the impact of behavioral altering motivational text messaging sent to the participant’s smartphone targeting underlying cardiac risk factors known to be associated with AF. These outcomes will be quantified and compared to those receiving usual cardiac care as determined by their healthcare providers. Finally, the study will evaluate the differences in self-reported QoL in those randomized to the iHEART intervention versus usual cardiac care. This study illustrates ongoing transdisciplinary work in the real world by engaging patients and families in self-management research focused on improving clinical outcomes. Nurses must keep pace with the frequent advancements in healthcare and integrate novel and clinically relevant approaches to their research trajectories. This will allow nursing researchers to raise their visibility as independent investigators, increase their ability to compete for limited funding and resources, and emerge into new areas of inquiry.

Figure 2.

Figure 2

Figure 2

Figure 2

Open in a new tab

AliveCor device and Kardia application used to capture an ECG recording.

a. Patient using the AliveCor device and Kardia application to capture and view her ECG in real time.

b. ECG information captured can be viewed by a patient/provider on their iPhone, iPad or desk top computer (not shown).

Precision Nursing to Improve Health Outcomes

The notion of patient engagement and new technologies that help monitor patients’ health aligns with the Precision Medicine Initiative (Whitehouse PMI), and the role that genes play in susceptibility to disease and inheritance-across the life span. For instance, the detection of certain genetic biomarkers provides insight into which individuals might be more susceptible for developing certain rare and common conditions. The next generation of nurse scientists needs to be prepared to improve health, guided by the vision reflected in the Precision Medicine Initiative, to accelerate discoveries that can provide new tools, knowledge, and therapies. It is essential that nurses have exposure to genetics and genomics, The National Institute of Nursing Research has been leading the way by providing an intensive one-week genetic boot camp (NINR, 2017). The purpose of the one-week summer-intensive boot camp is for nurses to examine the latest advances in genomics, pharmacogenomics, and nutrigenomics, to name a few, as well as the ethical and social implications of precision medicine (NINR, 2017). The NINR supports a broad range of research to develop personalized strategies to prevent and manage the adverse symptoms of disease across diverse populations and settings, as well as across the lifespan. Nurse scientists are engaged various areas of research, including the Center for Genomics of pain in Baltimore at the University of Maryland (NINR, Areas of Science). Additionally, institutions such as John Hopkins, Emory, Duke and Case Western Reserve University are focused on similar research topics across an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research environment. Topics range from neurocognitive studies and sleep-related symptom science to self-management studies. The University of Texas, Austin is the Center for Transdisciplinary Collaborative Research in Self-Management Science (TCRSS). The goal is to develop, test and disseminate innovative self-management solutions to improve the health outcomes of people with chronic conditions (NINR, Areas of Science). Mentors and mentees must actively engage in implementing clinical applications of genomics, symptom science and other ‘omics science’ into their research, education and clinical practice roles.

One such example of nursing’s contribution to precision health is the advent of the Precision in Symptom Self-Management (PriSSM) Center at Columbia University School of Nursing in New York City. This center is one of several centers across the nation funded by the NINR that is essential to training and mentoring the next generation of nursing scholars in genetics. The goal of this PriSSM center is to advance the science of symptom self-management, particularly in Latino’s, through a social lens that takes into account variability in individual, interpersonal, genetics, ancestry, and environmental factors across the lifespan (CUSON PriSSM). In addition, the center will advance research conducted by new nurse scientists focused on symptom self-management across conditions and the lifespan while also examining the role of ancestry informative markers and genetics associated with rare and common conditions (CUSON PriSSM).

Examples of collaborations, partnerships and networking

It is important to recognize the influential nursing organizations that contribute to the advancement of nursing science, leadership, and education. These organizations include the International Society of Nurses in Genetics (ISONG), Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Eastern Nursing Research Society, the American Academy of Nursing, and the American Association of Critical-Care Nursing, among many others. Each offers additional training opportunities for nurse scientists as well as networking and partnership with senior nurse scientists.

The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests that clinicians complete certain core competencies in cardiovascular genetics, acknowledges the importance of trained genetic professionals, and notes that the ability to translate genetic test results are key in assuring that clinicians harbor a strong knowledge of these topics (Mital, et al, 2016). Moreover, the AHA suggests that advances in the Precision Medicine Era will arise when clinicians are able to apply this knowledge to real-life patient scenarios (Mital, et al, 2016). Nurses must then cultivate their comprehension of omics to lead a “boots-on the-ground” approach to develop a new generation of nurse scientists in Precision Health (Calzone, et al, 2010). Nurse scientists are the most trusted health professionals involved on the front lines in various areas of health supporting, educating and advocating for the public. Nurse scientists will undoubtedly partake in shaping transdisciplinary health teams.

Helpful Hints for Shaping a Sustainable Transdisciplinary Career

Pearls of wisdom to be passed on to the next generation of nurse scientists include integrating advancements in science and technology to ensure sustainable careers. Mentors and mentees should challenge each other to reach beyond their own programs of research, offering and taking part in pre- and post-doctoral training opportunities across disciplines, and actively participating as key members of other teams. Early stage nurse scientists should actively ask questions, seek training in unknown disciplines, say “no” or change the direction of their career path as healthcare evolves and changes. Through the development and expansion of their careers, early nurse scientists should not forget to maintain a healthy work and life balance and celebrate their successes along the way. Nurse scientists should aim to surround themselves with motivational mentors and be unafraid of persisting and persevering in to unknown areas.

Conclusion

On the forefront of an exciting yet challenging career path, nurse scientists have the potential and ability to shape their careers and become essential members of transdisciplinary partnerships. Nurse scientists should utilize as many resources as possible to assure they achieve this goal. Doing so involves taking advantage of diverse training opportunities, being exposed to clinical research, receiving expert mentorship in different areas and ensuring contributions to science are visible through publications and presentations as well as securing grant funding to develop and maintain programs of research. By transcending across boundaries and different disciplines, nurses will be able work together to strengthen communication and discussion, thereby improving patient care and future health outcomes while building and shaping the next generation of nurse scientists, only then will the true promise of transdisciplinary approaches be realized.

Footnotes

References

  1. American Heart Association. What is atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF)? 2017 Retrieved from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/AboutArrhythmia/What-is-Atrial-Fibrillation-AFib-or-AF_UCM_423748_Article.jsp#.WRNS3bdARHg.
  2. Boland MG, Kamikawa C, Inouye J, Latimer RW, Marshall S. Partnership to build research capacity. Nurs Econ. 2010;28(5):314–21. 336. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  3. Brachmann J, Morillo CA, Sanna T, Di Lazzaro V, Diener HC, Bernstein RA, Passman RS, et al. Uncovering Atrial Fibrillation Beyond Short-Term Monitoring in Cryptogenic Stroke Patients: Three-Year Results From the Cryptogenic Stroke and Underlying Atrial Fibrillation Trial. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2016;9(1):e003333. doi: 10.1161/CIRCEP.115.003333. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  4. Calzone KA, Cashion A, Feetham S, Jenkins J, Prows CA, Williams JK, Wung SF. Nurses Transforming Health Care Using Genetics and Genomics. Nurs Outlook. 2010;58(1):26–35. doi: 10.1016/j.outlook.2009.05.001. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  5. Chan PH, Wong CK, Poh YC, Pun L, Leung WW, Wong YF, Siu CW, et al. Diagnostic Performance of a Smartphone-Based Photoplethysmographic Application for Atrial Fibrillation Screening in a Primary Care Setting. J Am Heart Assoc. 2016;5(7) doi: 10.1161/JAHA.116.003428. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  6. Columbia University School of Nursing (CUSON) Precision in Symptom Self-Management (PriSSM) Center. Retrieved from http://nursing.columbia.edu/research/precision-symptom-self-management-prissm-center.
  7. Conley YP, Heitkemper M, McCarthy D, Anderson CM, Corwin EJ, Daack-Hirsch S, Voss J, et al. Educating future nursing scientists: Recommendations for integrating omics content in PhD programs. Nurs Outlook. 2015;63(4):417–27. doi: 10.1016/j.outlook.2015.06.006. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  8. Cutugno CL. Atrial Fibrillation: Updated Management Guidelines and Nursing Implications. American Journal of Nursing. 2015;115(5):26–38. doi: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000465028.05223.39. quiz 39, 49. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  9. Desteghe L, Raymaekers Z, Lutin M, Vijgen J, Dilling-Boer D, Koopman P, Heidbuchel H, et al. Performance of handheld electrocardiogram devices to detect atrial fibrillation in a cardiology and geriatric ward setting. Europace. 2017;19(1):29–39. doi: 10.1093/europace/euw025. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  10. Flood LS, Robinia K. Bridging the gap: Strategies to integrate classroom and clinical learning. Nurse Education in Practice. 2014;14(4):329–32. doi: 10.1016/j.nepr.2014.02.002. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  11. Gerard SO, Kazer MW, Babington L, Quell TT. Past, Present, and Future Trends of Master’s Education in Nursing. J Prof Nurs. 2014;30(4):326–32. doi: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2014.01.005. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  12. Grady PA. News from NINR: Translational research and nursing science. Nurs Outlook. 2010;58(3):164–166. doi: 10.1016/j.outlook.2010.01.001. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  13. Grey M, Connolly CA. Coming together, keeping together, working together: Interdisciplinary to transdisciplinary research and nursing. Nursing Outlook. 2008;56(3):102–7. doi: 10.1016/j.outlook.2008.02.007. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  14. Hickey KT, Biviano AB, Garan H, Sciacca RR, Riga T, Warren K, Whang W, et al. Evaluating the Utility of Mhealth ECG Heart Monitoring for the Detection and Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Clinical Practice. Journal of Atrial Fibrillation. 2017;9(5) doi: 10.4022/jafib.1546. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  15. Hickey KT, Hauser NR, Valente LE, Riga TC, Frulla AP, Wang DY, et al. A single-center randomized, controlled trial investigating the efficacy of a mHealth ECG technology intervention to improve the detection of atrial fibrillation: the iHEART study protocol. BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2016;16:152. doi: 10.1186/s12872-016-0327-y. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  16. Hickey KT, Reiffel J, Sciacca RR, Whang W, Biviano A, Baumeister M, Garan H, et al. The Utility of Ambulatory Electrocardiographic Monitoring for Detecting Silent Arrhythmias and Clarifying Symptom Mechanism in an Urban Elderly Population with Heart Failure and Hypertension: Clinical Implications. J Atr Fibrillation. 2010;3(1):193. doi: 10.4022/jafib.193. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  17. Hickey KT, Reiffel J, Sciacca RR, Whang W, Biviano A, Baumeister M, Garan H, et al. Correlating perceived arrhythmia symptoms and QoL in the elderly with Heart Failure in an urban clinic: A prospective, single center study. J Clin Nurs. 2013;22(0):434–444. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2012.04307.x. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  18. Kennel S, Burns S, Horn H. Stimulating student interest in nursing research: a program pairing students with practicing clinician researchers. J Nurs Educ. 2009;48(4):209–12. doi: 10.3928/01484834-20090401-06. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  19. Kirchhof P, Lip GY, Van Gelder IC, Bax J, Hylek E, Kaab S, Camm AJ, et al. Comprehensive risk reduction in patients with atrial fibrillation: emerging diagnostic and therapeutic options—a report from the 3rd Atrial Fibrillation Competence NETwork/European Heart Rhythm Association consensus conference. Europace. 2012;14(1):8–27. doi: 10.1093/europace/eur241. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  20. Lewis DY, Stephens KP, Ciak AD. QSEN: Curriculum Integration and Bridging the Gap to Practice. Nurs Educ Perspect. 2016;37(2):97–100. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  21. McCabe PJ, Rhudy LM, Chamberlain AM, DeVon HA. Fatigue, dyspnea, and intermittent symptoms are associated with treatment-seeking delay for symptoms of atrial fibrillation before diagnosis. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2016;15(6):459–68. doi: 10.1177/1474515115603901. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  22. Mital S, Musunuru K, Garg V, Russell MW, Lanfear DE, Gupta RM, Ware S, et al. AHA Scientific Statement: Enhancing Literacy in Cardiovascular Genetics: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics. 2016;9(5):448–467. doi: 10.1161/HCG.0000000000000031. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  23. Modig K, Andersson T, Vaupel J, Rau R, Ahlbom A. How long do centenarians survive? Life expectancy and maximum life span. J Intern Med. 2017;282(2):156–163. doi: 10.1111/joim.12627. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  24. National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) Precision Health: From ‘Omics’ to Data Science Boot Camp. 2017 Retrieved from http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07edt5zma5700c5dbd&llr=4uamblab . https://www.ninr.nih.gov/newsandinformation/newsandnotes/2015-sgi-big-data-boot-camp.
  25. NINR. Areas of Science and Program Contacts. Retrieved from https://www.ninr.nih.gov/researchandfunding/desp/oep/areasofscience.
  26. Rosenfield PL. The potential of transdisciplinary research for sustaining and extending linkages between the health and social sciences. Soc Sci Med. 1992;35(11):1343–57. doi: 10.1016/0277-9536(92)90038-r. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  27. Sakakibara BM, Ross E, Arthur G, Brown-Ganzert L, Petrin S, Sedlak T, Lear SA. Using Mobile-Health to Connect Women with Cardiovascular Disease and Improve Self-Management. Telemed J E Health. 2017;23(3):233–239. doi: 10.1089/tmj.2016.0133. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  28. Tsai HM, Cheng CY, Chang CH, Liou SR. Preparing the future nurses for nursing research: A creative teaching strategy for RN-to-BSN students. Int J Nurs Pract. 2014;20(1):25–31. doi: 10.1111/ijn.12119. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  29. Van Bewer V. Transdisciplinarity in Health Care: A Concept Analysis. Nurs Forum. 2017 doi: 10.1111/nuf.12200. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  30. Williams JK, Katapodi MC, Starkweather A, Badzek L, Cashion AK, Coleman B, Hickey KT, et al. Advanced nursing practice and research contributions to precision medicine. Nurs Outlook. 2016;64(2):117–123. doi: 10.1016/j.outlook.2015.11.009. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  31. Yancy CW, Jessup M, Bozkurt B, Butler J, Casey DE, Colvin MM, Westlake C, et al. ACC/AHA/HFSA Focused Update of the 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Failure Society of America. Circulation. 2017 doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000509. CIR.0000000000000509. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000509. [DOI] [PubMed]
  32. The White House. The Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI) Retrieved from https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/node/333101.

RESOURCES