Ying-Ling Jao, assistant professor of nursing, has received the Distinguished Education in Gerontological Nursing award from the National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing (NHCGNE). Jao is the first to apply and receive this award from the Penn State's College of Nursing.
Jao is an accomplished nurse researcher and assistant professor in Penn State’s College of Nursing. Gerontology has remained her focus for the entirety of her career, with most of her research concentrated around assessment and nonpharmacological interventions for neurobehavioral symptoms of dementia.
The NHCGNE created the Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing Recognition Program in 2018 and the award aims to recognize the leadership of nurse educators working with students, faculty, providers and older people in diverse settings. Last year they recognized over 30 academics from across the country.
To be recognized as a Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing, applicants are required to have at minimum a master of science in nursing, post-baccalaureate education in gerontology, three years’ experience in gerontological education, as well as being actively involved in gerontological nursing education at the time of application submission.
Gerontological care requires specific knowledge and skills that ensure positive and person-centered practices with older adults, at any stage of life or condition.
The rapid increase in the aging population has made it apparent how critical knowledgeable instructors are when preparing gerontology nurses for the workforce. The Distinguished Education in Gerontological Nursing award recognizes these outstanding instructors and looks to advance gerontological nursing practices through their students and research.
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