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)

Putting the mouth back in the head: HEENT to HEENOT

Haber, J., Hartnett, E., Allen, K., Hallas, D., Dorsen, C., Lange-Kessler, J., Lloyd, M., Thomas, E., & Wholihan, D. (2015). American Journal of Public Health, 105(3), 437-441. 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302495
Abstract
Abstract
Improving oral health is a leading population health goal; however, curricula preparing health professionals have a dearth of oral health content and clinical experiences.We detail an educational and clinical innovation transitioning the traditional head, ears, eyes, nose, and throat (HEENT) examination to the addition of the teeth, gums, mucosa, tongue, and palate examination (HEENOT) for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of oral-systemic health. Many New York University nursing, dental, and medical faculty and students have been exposed to interprofessional oral health HEENOT classroom, simulation, and clinical experiences. This was associated with increased dental-primary care referrals.This innovation has potential to build interprofessional oral health workforce capacity that addresses a significant public health issue, increases oral health care access, and improves oral-systemic health across the lifespan.

Cardiac biomarkers in persons with HIV infection: A review of the literature

Chandler, C., & Dorsen, C. (2014). Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 25(1), 83-91. 10.1016/j.jana.2012.11.007

Improving heart failure self-care through a community-based skill-building intervention: A study protocol

Dickson, V. V., Melkus, G. D., Dorsen, C., Katz, S., & Riegel, B. (2014). Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 30(4), S14-S24. 10.1097/JCN.0000000000000161
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Self-care is the cornerstone of heart failure (HF) management. Numerous approaches to improving HF self-care, which involves adherence to the treatment plan, routine symptom monitoring, and the response to symptoms when they occur, have been developed with little impact on HF outcomes. On the basis of HF practice recommendations that patients receive education and counseling that emphasizes self-care and targets skill building of critical target behaviors, we are conducting a clinical trial designed to improve self-care among community-dwelling older adults using an innovative group-based, skill-building approach led by a trained health educator. Objective: This article describes the study design and research methods used to implement and evaluate the intervention. Methods: The study uses a staggered randomized controlled design to assess feasibility of providing an HF self-care intervention in a community group setting to improve HF self-care, knowledge, and health-related quality of life at 1 and 3 months. A community engagement approach is used to partner with the community throughout all phases of the project. Seventy-five older adults with HF are randomly assigned to the intervention consisting of six to eight 60-minute sessions held in community senior centers or to the wait-list control group. Focus groups are used to elicit feedback on the participants' experience in the program. Results: Preliminary study participation data (n = 60; women, 48%; black, 27%; Hispanic, 32%; mean [SD] age, 70 [10] years) and focus group feedback suggest that the delivery approach is feasible and acceptable, and the participants are very satisfied with the program. Conclusions: Implementation of a community-based HF self-care intervention delivered in partnership with established community-based centers is an innovative approach to intervention. If efficacy is demonstrated, this intervention has far-reaching implications for helping the growing population of HF patients in ethnically diverse communities.

An Integrative review of nurse attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender patients

Dorsen, C. (2012). Canadian Journal of Nursing Research, 44(3), 18-43.
Abstract
Abstract
A growing body of literature suggests that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons have significant health disparities as compared to heterosexuals. Although the reasons for this are complex and multifactorial, one area of research has examined the real or perceived negative attitudes of health-care providers. This integrative review critically appraises and synthesizes data from 17 articles regarding nurses' attitudes towards LGBT patients. Every study analyzed showed some evidence of negative attitudes. However, the literature revealed major limitations, including a paucity of well-designed studies; a dearth of qualitative studies; inconsistent use of validated, reliable instruments; and a lack of measures examining attitudes towards lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons. Increased knowledge in this area could lead to interventions to improve nurses' cultural competency; resource allocation to nursing research, education, and services related to LGBT health; and inclusion of more LGBT content in nursing curricula.

Oral health care and smoking cessation practices of interprofessional home care providers for their patients with HIV

VanDevanter, N., Dorsen, C. G., Messeri, P., Shelley, D., & Person, A. (2012). Journal of Interprofessional Care, 26(4), 339-340. 10.3109/13561820.2012.676107
Abstract
Abstract
The need for oral health services among patients with HIV, especially those in advanced stages of disease and those who smoke, has been well documented. Patients receiving HIV-related home care services provide an opportunity for assessment of oral health and smoking cessation needs; however, the majority of home care providers lack formal training to provide these services, thus interprofessional collaborations may be of value. This study assessed the oral health and smoking cessation practices of a random sample of 81 HIV home care providers. Results showed very favorable attitudes toward providing these services with some differences across disciplines. More than 70% of nurses would like to receive additional training in comprehensive oral health assessment by dental professionals. The study provides evidence for the potential of expanding these services for patients with HIV through interprofessional collaboration, in particular with nurses and dentists.

Short- vs Long-Course Antibiotics for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis

Bashlian, R. A., Sun, C. J., & Dorsen, C. G. (2012). Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 8(7), 534-539. 10.1016/j.nurpra.2012.01.001
Abstract
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) is a significant public health problem, costing the United States health care system over $1.9 billion in 2008. While AECB is mainly treated with antibiotics, the ideal duration of antibacterial treatment remains unclear. Antibiotic overprescription, growing prevalence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics worldwide, and difficulties with patient adherence are ongoing issues. The purpose of this literature review is to identify the most effective duration of antibiotic therapy administration (short- vs long-course antibiotic therapy) for patients with AECB, synthesizing the findings for clinical application.

Barriers to Volunteer Enrollment in HIV Preventive Vaccine Clinical Research Trials: A Review of the Literature

Hurley-Rosenblatt, A., & Dorsen, C. (2011). Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 22(4), 330-334. 10.1016/j.jana.2010.12.001

Vulnerability in homeless adolescents: Concept analysis

Dorsen, C. (2010). Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66(12), 2819-2827. 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2010.05375.x
Abstract
Abstract
Aim: This paper is a report of an analysis of the concept of vulnerability in homeless adolescents. Background. Caring for vulnerable populations and reduction of health inequities are top international healthcare priorities. Homeless adolescents experience health disparities as compared to their housed counterparts and are among the most vulnerable of all populations. Understanding the concept of vulnerability as it relates to the homeless adolescent population will assist nurses in addressing the health and social concerns of this population. Data sources. The PubMed, Medline, Cochrane and CINAHL electronic databases were used to search for research papers published between 1980 and 2009. The keywords 'vulnerable', 'vulnerability' and 'homeless', 'adolescent', 'street' and 'youth' were used. Twenty-three papers from multiple disciplines were reviewed in an effort to arrive at a global definition of homeless adolescents' vulnerability. Method. Rodgers' evolutionary method of concept analysis was used for the analysis. Results. Based on this analysis, vulnerability in homeless adolescents is defined as the constellation of past, present and future risk, perceived or real, because of the common human experience of risk, the increased vulnerability of the adolescent period, the consequences of family disruption, and the increased risks of life on the street. Conclusion. There was agreement in the literature regarding the antecedents, attributes, consequences and surrogate terms of the concept. However, differentiation between the concepts of risk and vulnerability, as suggested by seminal nurse researchers, was not supported. More research is needed into self-perceptions of vulnerability and vulnerability in subgroups of homeless adolescents.

The oral-systemic connection in primary care

Haber, J., Strasser, S., Lloyd, M., Dorsen, C., Knapp, R., Auerhahn, C., Kennedy, R., Alfano, M. C., & Fulmer, T. (2009). Nurse Practitioner, 34(3), 43-48. 10.1097/01.NPR.0000346593.51066.b2

1996 Fuld Scholar winning essay. Advocating for ourselves: the emerging role of nurses as patient advocates within multidisciplinary health care teams.

Dorsen, C. (1997). Imprint, 44(5), 54-55.