Caroline G Dorsen
PhD FNP-BC FAAN
Associate Dean, Clinical Faculty Affairs
Clinical Professor
caroline.dorsen@nyu.edu
1 212 992 7340
Associate Dean, Clinical Faculty Affairs
Clinical Professor
433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States
Accepting PhD students
Caroline G Dorsen's additional information
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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. Prof. Dorsen 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, Dorsen 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. Dorsen 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.
Dorsen 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.
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Post-Doctoral Fellow - Center for Translational and Clinical Science Institute, NYU School of MedicinePhD, in Nursing Research and Theory Development, NYU MeyersMSN in Family Nurse Practitioner Nursing, Yale University (Magna Cum Laude)BS in Professional Nursing, NYU (Magna Cum Laude)BA in Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley (Magna Cum Laude)
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Underserved populationsVulnerable & marginalized populationsSubstance useLGBTQPrimary careCommunity/population health
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American Academy of Nurse PractitionersEastern Nursing Research SocietyGLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ + EqualityNational League of NursingNational Organization of Nurse Practitioner FacultySigma Theta Tau InternationalWorld Professionals Advancing Transgender Health
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Faculty Honors Awards
Paulette Goddard Award, New York University (2018)Outstanding Dissertation Award, NYU College of Nursing (2014)Book of the Year (Gerontological category), American Journal of Nursing (2010)Agnes and Rosemary Ludden Award for Innovative Nursing Practice, NYU College of Nursing (2010)Vernice Fergueson Faculty Scholar Award, NYU College of Nursing (2007)Milton and Anne Sidney Prize, Yale University School of Nursing (2001)Founder’s Day Award, New York University (1997)Helene Fuld Distinguished Scholar, Helene Fuld Trust (1997)Spirit of Nursing Award, National Student Nurse Association (1997)Ursula Springer Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Writing, Ursula Springer, Inc (1997)Baccalaureate Student Achievement Award, NYU Division of Nursing (1997)Helene Fuld Nursing Fellow, Helene Fuld Trust (1996) -
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Publications
What does gender affirmation mean to you? An exploratory study
AbstractDorsen, C. G., Leonard, N., Goldsamt, L., Warner, A., Moore, K. G., Levitt, N., & Rosenfeld, P. (2022). In Nursing forum (Vols. 57, Issue 1, pp. 34-41). 10.1111/nuf.12648AbstractPurpose: 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
AbstractCleland, C. M., Gwadz, M., Collins, L. M., Wilton, L., Sherpa, D., Dorsen, C. G., Leonard, N. R., Cluesman, S. R., Martinez, B. Y., Ritchie, A. S., & Ayvazyan, M. (2021). In AIDS and Behavior (Vols. 25, Issues 8, pp. 2501-2516). 10.1007/s10461-021-03212-0AbstractSubstance 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
AbstractGwadz, 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. G., Collins, L. M., Hroncich, T., Cluesman, S. R., & Leonard, N. R. (2021). In AIDS and Behavior (Vols. 25, Issues 5, pp. 1340-1360). 10.1007/s10461-021-03177-0AbstractThe 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
AbstractPenn, A., Dorsen, C. G., Hope, S., & Rosa, W. E. (2021). In American Journal of Nursing (Vols. 121, Issues 6, pp. 34-40). 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000753464.35523.29AbstractPsychedelics 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.An Integrative Review of Experiences Parenting Transgender and Gender Diverse Children
AbstractWarner, A., Dorsen, C. G., Navarra, A. M., & Cohen, S. (2021). In Journal of Family Nursing (Vols. 27, Issues 4, pp. 304-326). 10.1177/10748407211001559AbstractTransgender 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
AbstractTubbs-Cooley, H. L., Lavin, R., Lyndon, A., Anderson, J., Baernholdt, M., Berry, P., Bosse, J. D., Mahoney, A. D., Gibbs, K. D., Donald, E. E., Donevant, S., Dorsen, C. G., Fauer, A., French, R., Gilmore-Bykovskyi, A., Greene, M., Morse, B. L., Patil, C. L., Rainbow, J., … Friese, C. R. (2021). In Nursing outlook (Vols. 69, Issues 4, pp. 531-533). 10.1016/j.outlook.2021.03.016Abstract~Why Should Nurses Care About the Supreme Court?
AbstractDorsen, C. G., Harney, H., & LeDuc, C. (2021). In The American journal of nursing (Vols. 121, Issues 12, p. 11). 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000803144.10921.d7AbstractMany cases have direct and indirect bearing on health care policy and public health.Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiome: A Concept Analysis
AbstractPerez, N. B., Dorsen, C. G., & Squires, A. P. (2020). In Journal of Holistic Nursing (Vols. 38, Issues 2, pp. 223-232). 10.1177/0898010119879527AbstractBackground: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
AbstractRosa, W. E., Dorsen, C. G., & Penn, A. (2020). In Journal of palliative medicine (Vols. 23, Issues 10, pp. 1288-1289). 10.1089/jpm.2020.0241Abstract~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)
AbstractCaceres, B. A., Ancheta, A. J., Dorsen, C. G., Newlin-Lew, K., Edmondson, D., & Hughes, T. L. (2020). In Ethnicity and Health (Vols. 27, Issues 3, pp. 617-638). 10.1080/13557858.2020.1740174AbstractObjectives: 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.