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)

An Integrative Review of Experiences Parenting Transgender and Gender Diverse Children

Warner, A., Dorsen, C., Navarra, A. M. D., & Cohen, S. (2021). Journal of Family Nursing, 27(4), 304-326. 10.1177/10748407211001559
Abstract
Abstract
Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) children face increased behavioral health risks including suicidal behaviors and substance abuse. Parental affirmation is associated with behavioral health outcomes similar to non-TGD peers. This integrative review synthesizes and appraises evidence regarding experiences of parenting a TGD child in the United States or Canada from 2008 to 2018. Most parents across these 15 studies described affirming their child’s gender at time of interview. Parents reported initial interpersonal processes (emotions, concerns, beliefs), sought education (frequently online), and described interactions with family members and professionals that were not always affirming. Parents accessed support groups but described their own well-being as a low priority relative to the child’s needs. Parents’ own needs for well-being may affect the process of parenting a TGD child and should be explored. Future research should address the experiences of non-parent family members and participants from more diverse backgrounds. Nursing education must consistently address gender affirming care.

Stronger together: The case for multidisciplinary tenure track faculty in academic nursing

Tubbs-Cooley, H. L., Lavin, R., Lyndon, A., Anderson, J., Baernholdt, M., Berry, P., Bosse, J. D., Mahoney, A. D., Gibbs, K. D. V., Donald, E. E., Donevant, S., Dorsen, C., Fauer, A., French, R., Gilmore-Bykovskyi, A., Greene, M., Morse, B. L., Patil, C. L., Rainbow, J., … Friese, C. R. (2021, July 1). In Nursing outlook (Vols. 69, Issues 4, pp. 531-533). 10.1016/j.outlook.2021.03.016

Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiome: A Concept Analysis

Perez, N. B., Dorsen, C., & Squires, A. (2020). Journal of Holistic Nursing, 38(2), 223-232. 10.1177/0898010119879527
Abstract
Abstract
Background:Gut microbes influence the development several chronic conditions marking them as targets for holistic care, prevention strategies, and potential treatments. Microbiome studies are relatively new to health research and present unfamiliar terms to clinicians and researchers. “Dysbiosis” often refers to an alteration in the gut microbiome, but conceptual clarification is rarely provided. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to refine a conceptual definition of dysbiosis based on a review of nursing literature. Method: A Rodgerian approach to concept analysis was used. CINAHL, PubMed, and Web of Science were queried using “dysbiosis” through December 2018. Each article was analyzed with regard to the antecedents, attributes, and consequences of dysbiosis. Essential elements were tabulated and compared across studies to determine recurring themes and notable outliers. Findings: Analysis revealed several important antecedences, attributes, and consequences of dysbiosis. The findings also elucidated notable gaps and highlighted the co-evolving nature of the proposed definition with advances in microbiome research. Conclusion: This article adds a proposed definition of dysbiosis, offering a contribution of conceptual clarity upon which to enhance dialogue and build research. The definition emphasizes risk factors and consequences of dysbiosis as implications for holistic nursing practice.

Fostering Nurse Engagement in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies for Patients with Serious Illness

Rosa, W. E., Dorsen, C. G., & Penn, A. (2020, October 1). In Journal of palliative medicine (Vols. 23, Issues 10, pp. 1288-1289). 10.1089/jpm.2020.0241

A population-based study of the intersection of sexual identity and race/ethnicity on physiological risk factors for CVD among U.S. adults (ages 18–59)

Caceres, B. A., Ancheta, A. J., Dorsen, C., Newlin-Lew, K., Edmondson, D., & Hughes, T. L. (2020). Ethnicity and Health, 27(3), 617-638. 10.1080/13557858.2020.1740174
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives: Sexual minorities face significant psychosocial stressors (such as discrimination and violence) that impact their health. Several studies indicate that sexual minority women (SMW) and bisexual men may be at highest risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but limited research has examined physiological CVD risk or racial/ethnic differences. This study sought to examine racial/ethnic differences in physiological risk factors for CVD among sexual minority and heterosexual adults. Design: We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001–2016) using sex-stratified multiple linear regression models to estimate differences in physiological CVD risk. We compared sexual minorities (gay/lesbian, bisexual, ‘not sure’) to heterosexual participants first without regard to race/ethnicity. Then we compared sexual minorities by race/ethnicity to White heterosexual participants. Results: The sample included 22,305 participants (ages 18–59). Lesbian women had higher body mass index (BMI) but lower total cholesterol than heterosexual women. Bisexual women had higher systolic blood pressure (SBP). Gay men had lower BMI and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) relative to heterosexual men. White and Black lesbian women and bisexual women of all races/ethnicities had higher BMI than White heterosexual women; Black bisexual women had higher SBP and HbA1c. Black sexual minority men had higher HbA1c relative to White heterosexual men. Latino ‘not sure’ men also had higher SBP, HbA1c, and total cholesterol than White heterosexual men. Conclusions: Given evidence of higher CVD risk in sexual minority people of color relative to White heterosexuals, there is a need for health promotion initiatives to address these disparities. Additional research that incorporates longitudinal designs and examines the influence of psychosocial stressors on CVD risk in sexual minorities is recommended. Findings have implications for clinical and policy efforts to promote the cardiovascular health of sexual minorities.

Provider and LGBT individuals' perspectives on LGBT issues in long-term care: A systematic review

Caceres, B. A., Travers, J., Primiano, J. E., Luscombe, R. E., & Dorsen, C. (2020). Gerontologist, 60(3), E169-E183. 10.1093/geront/gnz012
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Discrimination toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) population has raised concerns about the type of long-term services and supports (LTSS) that will be available to them as they age. To understand the unique needs of aging LGBT populations, we sought to synthesize and critique the evidence related to LTSS providers and LGBT individuals' perspectives of LGBT issues in LTSS in the United States. Research Design and Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, a systematic review of the literature was conducted. The Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool was used to appraise the quality of the included studies. Results: Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria. Seven studies that examined the perspectives of LTSS providers identified two themes, including that they lack knowledge and training on LGBT health issues and generally report negative attitudes toward same-sex relations among older adults. In addition, 12 studies that examined the perspectives of LGBT individuals found that they (i) are concerned about LTSS planning, (ii) fear discrimination from providers in LTSS, and (iii) identify several strategies for improving care of LGBT older adults receiving LTSS. Discussion and Implications: This systematic review highlights the importance for LTSS providers to receive training in LGBT health and be reflective of potential biases toward the LGBT population. LGBT individuals identified concerns related to LTSS planning and fear of discrimination from LTSS providers. LGBT individuals also identified a need for increased training of providers to improve the care of LGBT older adults in LTSS.

Understanding long-term HIV survivorship among African American/Black and Latinx persons living with HIV in the United States: A qualitative exploration through the lens of symbolic violence

Freeman, R., Gwadz, M., Wilton, L., Collins, L. M., Dorsen, C., Hawkins, R. L., Silverman, E., Martinez, B. Y., Leonard, N. R., Applegate, A., & Cluesman, S. (2020). International Journal for Equity in Health, 19(1). 10.1186/s12939-020-01253-w
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Persons living with HIV (PLWH) are living longer, although racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status (SES) disparities persist. Yet, little is known about the experience of living with and managing HIV over decades. The present study took a qualitative approach and used the lens of symbolic violence, a type of internalized, non-physical violence manifested in the power differential between social groups. We focused on adult African American/Black and Latinx (AABL) PLWH from low-SES backgrounds. Methods: Data were drawn from two studies with AABL PLWH in New York City (N = 59). After providing signed informed consent, participants engaged in in-depth semi-structured interviews on aspects of HIV management. Interviews were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis. Results: Participants in the two studies were comparable on sociodemographic and background characteristics. They had lived with HIV for 20 years, on average (range 3-33 years). All were from low-SES backgrounds and most were African American/Black and men. Participants experienced a convergence of multiple social exclusions, harms, and stigmas, consistent with symbolic violence, which contributed to disengagement from HIV care and discontinuation of HIV medications. We organized results into five sub-themes: (1) participants were "ground down"over time by material, social, and emotional challenges and this diminished self-worth and, at times, the will to live; (2) social isolation and self-isolation, based in part on feeling devalued and dehumanized, served as stigma-avoidance strategies and mechanisms of social exclusion; (3) stigmatizing aspects of patient-provider interactions, both experienced and anticipated, along with (4) restricted autonomy in HIV care and other settings (e.g., parole) reduced engagement; and (5) poor HIV management was internalized as a personal failure. Importantly, resilience was evident throughout the five sub-themes. Conclusions: Symbolic violence is a useful framework for understanding long-term HIV management and survivorship among AABL PLWH from low-SES backgrounds. Indeed, forms of symbolic violence are internalized over time (e.g., experiencing devaluation, dehumanization, loss of self-worth, and anticipated stigma), thereby impeding successful HIV management, in part because avoiding HIV care and discontinuing HIV medications are primary coping strategies. Results have implications for interventions in community and health care settings.

Ceremonial ‘Plant Medicine’ use and its relationship to recreational drug use: an exploratory study

Dorsen, C., Palamar, J., & Shedlin, M. G. (2019). Addiction Research and Theory, 27(2), 68-75. 10.1080/16066359.2018.1455187
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The ceremonial use of psychoactive/hallucinogenic plant based drugs, such as ayahuasca, psilocybin and others, is a growing trend in the United States (US) and globally. To date, there has been little research documenting how many people are using psychoactive substances in this context, who the users are, what benefits/risks exist in the use of these drugs and the relationship between ceremonial drug use and recreational drug use. In this paper we describe a cohort of plant medicine facilitators in the US and explore how they differentiate plant medicine use from recreational drug use. Methods: Using modified ethnography, individual interviews were conducted in 2016 with 15 participants who are currently facilitating plant medicine ceremonies in the US. Descriptive content analysis was performed to discover themes and to inform a larger mixed-method study. Results: Ceremonial drug use was seen by participants as a natural healing and treatment modality used in the context of community and ritual. Three main themes were identified relating to participants’ differentiation between ceremonial plant medicine use and recreational drug use: (1) participants see a clear delineation between plant medicine use and recreational drug use; (2) plant medicine is seen as a potential treatment for addiction, but concerns exist regarding potential interference with recovery; and (3) plant medicine use may influence recreational use. Conclusions: More research is needed on who is using plant medicine, motivators for use, perceived and real risks and benefits of plant medicine use and harm reduction techniques regarding safe ingestion.

Guest Editorial

Dorsen, C., & Caceres, B. (2019). Advances in Nursing Science, 42(2), 87-88. 10.1097/ANS.0000000000000270

Improving healthcare for LGBTQ+ patients: How NPs can make a difference

Dorsen, C., & Caceres, B. (2019). Nurse Practitioner, 44(7), 9. 10.1097/01.NPR.0000559848.29614.40