Caroline G Dorsen

Faculty

Caroline G Dorsen headshot

Caroline G Dorsen

FAAN FNP-BC PhD

Associate Dean, Clinical Faculty Affairs
Clinical Professor

1 212 992 7340

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Accepting PhD students

Caroline Dorsen, PhD, FNP-BC, FAAN (she/her) is Associate Dean for Clinical Faculty Affairs and Clinical Professor at New York University Meyers College of Nursing. She is a scholar, educator, and family nurse practitioner whose career-long passion has been the intersection of health and social justice. For over 15 years, she has focused on the role of nursing in perpetuating and lessening health disparities and has worked to develop innovative teaching, practice, and research interventions to improve student, patient, and community outcomes. Caroline has been a member of numerous diversity, equity, and inclusion taskforces, including for the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, and has twice been an invited speaker at the National Academy of Medicine on the role of nurses in interprofessional healthcare teams. She is a member of the Board of Directors for Community Health Network (CHN) in NYC and the Program Director for the National University Psychedelic Education Program (U-PEP).

Prior to joining NYU Meyers, Dorsen was Associate Dean for Clinical Partnerships at Rutgers University, where she was a professor in both the Schools of Nursing and Public Health. From 2005-2020, she was on the faculty at NYU Meyers, first as the director of the adult and family NP programs and subsequently on the tenure track, examining the role of provider attitudes on mental and physical healthcare access and utilization among LGBTQIA+ persons and people who use drugs.

In recognition of her expertise as an educator, Caroline was the 2020 recipient of the Dean’s Distinguished Teaching Award at NYU Meyers College of Nursing. In 2020, she was also the recipient of NYU’s MLK, Jr Faculty Award, sponsored by the President and Provost for “exemplifying the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through teaching excellence, leadership, social justice activism, and community building.” In 2021, she received the Rutgers University Beloved Community Award with colleagues from around the university for their work related to the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 2021 and is currently a member of their LGBTQ+ and Psychiatric Mental Health & Substance Use Expert Panels. Caroline is an affiliate member of the Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research at Columbia University and the Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR) at NYU.

Caroline holds a BA in Anthropology from UC Berkeley, a BS in Nursing from NYU, an MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Yale University School of Nursing, and a Ph.D. in Nursing Research and Theory from NYU. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at NYU Langone Health. 

Post-Doctoral Fellow - Center for Translational and Clinical Science Institute, NYU School of Medicine (2017)
PhD, Nursing Research and Theory Development - NYU College of Nursing (2014)
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner - Yale University (Magna Cum Laude, 2001)
BS, Professional Nursing - NYU (Magna Cum Laude, 1997)
BA, Anthropology - University of California, Berkeley (Magna Cum Laude, 1991)

Underserved populations
Vulnerable & marginalized populations
Substance use
LGBTQ
Primary care
Community/population health

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Eastern Nursing Research Society
GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ + Equality
National League of Nursing
National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty
Sigma Theta Tau International
World Professionals Advancing Transgender Health

Paulette Goddard Award, New York University (2018)
Outstanding Dissertation Award, NYU College of Nursing (2014)
Agnes and Rosemary Ludden Award for Innovative Nursing Practice, NYU College of Nursing (2010)
Book of the Year (Gerontological category), American Journal of Nursing (2010)
Vernice Fergueson Faculty Scholar Award, NYU College of Nursing (2007)
Milton and Anne Sidney Prize, Yale University School of Nursing (2001)
Helene Fuld Distinguished Scholar, Helene Fuld Trust (1997)
Baccalaureate Student Achievement Award, NYU Division of Nursing (1997)
Founder’s Day Award, New York University (1997)
Ursula Springer Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Writing, Ursula Springer, Inc (1997)
Spirit of Nursing Award, National Student Nurse Association (1997)
Helene Fuld Nursing Fellow, Helene Fuld Trust (1996)

Trauma Informed Educational Practices: An Educational Innovation for GraduateNursing Students

Aktan, N. M., Kwong, J., Robinson, M., Porter, S., Rawlins, L., & Dorsen, C. (2023). Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 28(1). 10.3912/OJIN.Vol28No01Man02
Abstract
Abstract
The signifi cance of trauma on the nursing workforce is of utmost importance in graduate nursing education. Competingroles of graduate nursing students, such as the demands of nursing practice and advanced education, can increasevulnerability to trauma and chronic stress. Stressors associated with graduate nursing education can signifi cantly impactstudent and program outcomes. Incorporating a trauma-informed approach to graduate-level education can be anessential component to support the needs of this student population. Creating and sustaining a trauma-informedacademic setting requires awareness, open-mindedness, empathy, and incorporating educational practices that promotehealing and mitigate harm. Nurse faculty can play a pivotal role in restructuring curriculum design to include principles ofa trauma-informed approach.

Advancing behavioral interventions for African American/Black and Latino persons living with HIV using a new conceptual model that integrates critical race theory, harm reduction, and self-determination theory: a qualitative exploratory study

Gwadz, M., Cluesman, S. R., Freeman, R., Collins, L. M., Dorsen, C., Hawkins, R. L., Cleland, C. M., Wilton, L., Ritchie, A. S., Torbjornsen, K., Leonard, N. R., Martinez, B. Y., Silverman, E., Israel, K., & Kutnick, A. (2022). International Journal for Equity in Health, 21(1). 10.1186/s12939-022-01699-0
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Rates of participation in HIV care, medication uptake, and viral suppression are improving among persons living with HIV (PLWH) in the United States. Yet, disparities among African American/Black and Latino PLWH are persistent, signaling the need for new conceptual approaches. To address gaps in services and research (e.g., insufficient attention to structural/systemic factors, inadequate harm reduction services and autonomy support) and improve behavioral interventions, we integrated critical race theory, harm reduction, and self-determination theory into a new conceptual model, then used the model to develop a set of six intervention components which were tested in a larger study. The present qualitative study explores participants’ perspectives on the study’s acceptability, feasibility, and impact, and the conceptual model’s contribution to these experiences. Methods: Participants in the larger study were African American/Black and Latino PLWH poorly engaged in HIV care and with non-suppressed HIV viral load in New York City (N = 512). We randomly selected N = 46 for in-depth semi-structured interviews on their experiences with and perspectives on the study. Interviews were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis. Results: On average, participants were 49 years old (SD = 9) and had lived with HIV for 19 years (SD = 7). Most were male (78%) and African American/Black (76%). All had taken HIV medication previously. Challenging life contexts were the norm, including poverty, poor quality/unstable housing, trauma histories exacerbated by current trauma, health comorbidities, and substance use. Participants found the study highly acceptable. We organized results into four themes focused on participants’ experiences of: 1) being understood as a whole person and in their structural/systemic context; 2) trustworthiness and trust; 3) opportunities for self-reflection; and 4) support of personal autonomy. The salience of nonjudgment was prominent in each theme. Themes reflected grounding in the conceptual model. Participants reported these characteristics were lacking in HIV care settings. Conclusions: The new conceptual model emphasizes the salience of systemic/structural and social factors that drive health behavior and the resultant interventions foster trust, self-reflection, engagement, and behavior change. The model has potential to enhance intervention acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness with African American/Black and Latino PLWH.

How can the nursing profession help reduce sexual and gender minority related health disparities: Recommendations from the National Nursing LGBTQ Health Summit

Hughes, T. L., Jackman, K., Dorsen, C., Arslanian-Engoren, C., Ghazal, L., Christenberry-deceased, T., Lance Coleman, C., Mackin, M., Moore, S. E., Mukerjee, R., Sherman, A., Smith, S., & Walker, R. (2022). Nursing Outlook, 70(3), 513-524. 10.1016/j.outlook.2022.02.005
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people, also commonly referred to as sexual and gender minorities (SGMs), live in every part of the United States and encompass all races and/or ethnicities, religions, and social classes. Major reports from various sources document higher rates of health issues (e.g., substance abuse, depression, suicidality, cardiovascular disease) among SGMs than heterosexuals. Chronic stress related to marginalization and discrimination is a key contributor to these disparities. The nursing profession has paid relatively little attention to SGM health issues. Purpose and Methods: To address these gaps, the first National Nursing LGBTQ Health Summit brought together nursing deans, leaders of national nursing organizations, and other participants from across the United States. Findings: Participants agreed that increasing SGM-specific content in nursing curricula, practice guidelines, faculty development, and research is necessary to improve the health of SGM people. Discussion: The Summit ended with a call to action for the nursing profession to prioritize SGM health through innovations in education, research, and practice.

The Pharmacology and Clinical Applications of Psychedelic Medicines Within Midwifery Practice

Stein, C. A., Penn, A., Van Hope, S., Dorsen, C. G., & Mangini, M. (2022). Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, 67(3), 373-383. 10.1111/jmwh.13371
Abstract
Abstract
The research and use of psychedelic medicines to treat common mental health disorders has increased substantially in the past 2 decades. At the same time, knowledge is relatively uncommon among midwives regarding (1) the relative benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy, (2) best practices associated with the delivery of psychedelic-assisted therapy, and (3) responsible integration of this potentially useful intervention into mental health treatment plans. The purpose of this review is to describe current applications of psychedelic medicines to treat common mental health disorders, to describe the current legal status of these medicines used in this context, and to explore the potential for midwifery practice in this area with further training. This article also addresses the disparities regarding LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC populations in relation to this topic and their historical exclusion from research and treatment access in this field.

Time to Reflect and Take Action on Health Disparities and Health Inequities

Salmond, S., & Dorsen, C. (2022). Orthopaedic Nursing, 41(2), 64-85. 10.1097/NOR.0000000000000828
Abstract
Abstract
The United States healthcare system underperforms in healthcare access, quality, and cost resulting in some of the poorest health outcomes among comparable countries, despite spending more of its gross national product on healthcare than any other country in the world. Within the United States, there are significant healthcare disparities based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education level, sexual orientation, gender identity, and geographic location. COVID-19 has illuminated the racial disparities in health outcomes. This article provides an overview of some of the main concepts related to health disparities generally, and in orthopaedics specifically. It provides an introduction to health equity terminology, issues of bias and equity, and potential interventions to achieve equity and social justice by addressing commonly asked questions and then introduces the reader to persistent orthopaedic health disparities specific to total hip and total knee arthroplasty.

Trees as a social determinant of health

Dorsen, C., & Aktan, N. (2022). Nurse Practitioner, 47(4), 7. 10.1097/01.NPR.0000822452.67091.e4

What does gender affirmation mean to you? An exploratory study

Dorsen, C. G., Leonard, N., Goldsamt, L., Warner, A., Moore, K. G., Levitt, N., & Rosenfeld, P. (2022). Nursing Forum, 57(1), 34-41. 10.1111/nuf.12648
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: Gender affirmation lessens mental health disparities among transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) persons. However, the concept of what it means to be affirmed in one's gender has not been fully explored, nor has the impact of gender affirmation on other health indicators been determined. The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of gender affirmation among a sample of TGNB persons. Methods: This qualitative, narrative inquiry study consisted of individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of 20 TGNB persons. Descriptive content analysis was conducted to discover themes. Results: This study identified salient themes regarding the multiple levels of affirmation (including internal, external and societal) needed to achieve the overall goal of living an optimal life described as “being seen, heard and even celebrated” as TGNB. Conclusion: Results of this study have clinical, educational, research, and policy implications. Future research should explore the impact of gender affirmation on important health indicators in the TGNB community, differences in the experiences and needs among subgroups of TGNB persons, and the potential impact of nurses on the health experience of TGNB persons across the spectrum of transition.

African American/Black and Latino Adults with Detectable HIV Viral Load Evidence Substantial Risk for Polysubstance Substance Use and Co-occurring Problems: A Latent Class Analysis

Cleland, C. M., Gwadz, M., Collins, L. M., Wilton, L., Sherpa, D., Dorsen, C., Leonard, N. R., Cluesman, S. R., Martinez, B. Y., Ritchie, A. S., & Ayvazyan, M. (2021). AIDS and Behavior, 25(8), 2501-2516. 10.1007/s10461-021-03212-0
Abstract
Abstract
Substance use problems are highly prevalent among persons living with (PLWH) in the United States and serve as serious barriers to engagement in HIV care. Yet, in contrast to studies of single substances, little is known about patterns of polysubstance use in this population. Moreover, other risk factors (e.g., financial hardship, incarceration, homelessness, and mental health distress) are also prevalent and complicate HIV management. The present study drew on a cross-sectional survey with African American/Black and Latino (AABL) adult PLWH from low socioeconomic status backgrounds in New York City who were insufficiently engaged in HIV care and evidenced detectable HIV viral load (N = 512). We used latent class analysis (LCA) to explore patterns of polysubstance use and their relationships to financial hardship, incarceration, homelessness, and mental health. LCA yielded three substance use classes: Class 1, a high polysubstance use/high-risk substance use class (9%); Class 2, a polysubstance use/moderate substance use risk class (18%); and Class 3, a moderate polysubstance use/moderate-to-low-risk substance use class (74%). Mental health symptoms were prevalent in all classes, but Class 1 had greater mental health distress than the other two classes. Current homelessness was more prevalent in Classes 1 and 2. We cannot end the HIV epidemic without engaging and treating AABL PLWH who have serious barriers to engagement along the HIV care continuum, and who evidence polysubstance use along with co-occurring risk factors. Clinical settings can develop outreach and engagement approaches to bring this subpopulation of PLWH into care settings, and further, specialized services are needed to successfully screen, treat, and retain them.

Black and Latino Persons Living with HIV Evidence Risk and Resilience in the Context of COVID-19: A Mixed-Methods Study of the Early Phase of the Pandemic

Gwadz, M., Campos, S., Freeman, R., Cleland, C. M., Wilton, L., Sherpa, D., Ritchie, A. S., Hawkins, R. L., Allen, J. Y., Martinez, B. Y., Dorsen, C., Collins, L. M., Hroncich, T., Cluesman, S. R., & Leonard, N. R. (2021). AIDS and Behavior, 25(5), 1340-1360. 10.1007/s10461-021-03177-0
Abstract
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has great potential to disrupt the lives of persons living with HIV (PLWH). The present convergent parallel design mixed-methods study explored the early effects of COVID-19 on African American/Black or Latino (AABL) long-term survivors of HIV in a pandemic epicenter, New York City. A total of 96 AABL PLWH were recruited from a larger study of PLWH with non-suppressed HIV viral load. They engaged in structured assessments focused on knowledge, testing, trust in information sources, and potential emotional, social, and behavioral impacts. Twenty-six of these participants were randomly selected for in-depth semi-structured interviews. Participants were mostly men (64%), African American/Black (75%), and had lived with HIV for 17 years, on average (SD=9 years). Quantitative results revealed high levels of concern about and the adoption of recommended COVID-19 prevention recommendations. HIV care visits were commonly canceled but, overall, engagement in HIV care and antiretroviral therapy use were not seriously disrupted. Trust in local sources of information was higher than trust in various federal sources. Qualitative findings complemented and enriched quantitative results and provided a multifaceted description of both risk factors (e.g., phones/internet access were inadequate for some forms of telehealth) and resilience (e.g., “hustling” for food supplies). Participants drew a direct line between structural racism and the disproportional adverse effects of COVID-19 on communities of color, and their knowledge gleaned from the HIV pandemic was applied to COVID-19. Implications for future crisis preparedness are provided, including how the National HIV/AIDS Strategy can serve as a model to prevent COVID-19 from becoming another pandemic of the poor.

CE: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Penn, A., Dorsen, C. G., Hope, S., & Rosa, W. E. (2021). American Journal of Nursing, 121(6), 34-40. 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000753464.35523.29
Abstract
Abstract
Psychedelics are a class of psychoactive substances that were studied extensively between 1943 and 1970 as potential therapies for treating a host of mental health disorders, including addiction. Despite promising early results, U.S. psychedelic research was halted in the early 1970s with the enactment of the Controlled Substances Act. As the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy develops, nurses can decide the role they will play in the continuing clinical and scholarly research of these substances, which may soon be used in controlled settings to treat some of the most widespread mental health disorders. To prepare for this task, this article proposes that nursesbecome familiar with the history, relevant language, and scientific findings related to the field of psychedelic research.learn about existing psychedelic-assisted therapy and research resources.examine their thoughts, judgments, and opinions about therapeutic psychedelic use.consider the potential role of nursing in psychedelic-assisted therapies going forward.