Eileen M. Sullivan-Marx

Faculty

Eileen M. Sullivan Marx headshot

Eileen M. Sullivan-Marx

PhD RN FAAN

Professor Emerita
Dean Emerita

1 212 998 5303

433 First Ave
New York, NY 10010
United States

Eileen M. Sullivan-Marx's additional information

Dr. Eileen Sullivan-Marx is Dean Emerita and Professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. She also holds the title as Professor Emerita of Scholarly Practice and Clinician-Educator at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Prof. Sullivan-Marx is known for her research and innovative approaches to primary care and for her creative redesign of payment structures for nurses, particularly through the Medicaid and Medicare programs. Throughout her nursing career, she has been actively involved in the design of sustainable models of care using advanced practice nurses at both the local and global level, and with the development and implementation of health policies within the context of larger community-based settings. Her focus has been on frail older adults, particularly among high-risk, vulnerable people experiencing health inequity.

Sullivan-Marx was named a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) in 1997, and is a Fellow in the Gerontological Society of America and the New York Academy of Medicine. Currently, she is a member of the Board of United Hospital Fund, VNSHealth, and the Arnold P. Gold Foundation where she serves on the Executive Committee. She is active in the American Academy of Nursing military and veterans expert panel and represents AAN at the National Academy of Medicine’s Fellowship Program and the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing. From 2010-2012 she was a Senior Advisor to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of Medicare & Medicaid Coordination where she was actively involved in bringing promising models of care to scale. Of particular note is Sullivan-Marx had oversight of a Program of All-Inclusive Care for Elders in West Philadelphia which was expanded over a period of five years from 75 to 525 persons, saving the state of Pennsylvania fifteen cents on the dollar in Medicaid funding. Sullivan-Marx was  the first nurse to serve as the American Nurses Association representative to the American Medical Association’s Resource Based Relative Value Update Committee, a position she held for 11 years. 

As the dean of NYU Meyers, she raised the profile of the school to an independent entity at NYU, raised more than $50 million in scholarship and research donations, including the largest naming gift to a school of nursing at that time in the U.S., grew the research portfolio to a sustained top ten ranked status, and steered the school through several natural crises including Superstorm Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sullivan-Marx is widely recognized for the many contributions she has made to improve both the delivery and quality of healthcare services. This includes American Academy of Nursing”s President’s Award the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society Best of Image Research Award (1993), and the Hippensteel Founders Award for Excellence in Practice Award (2011). She is also the recipient of the Springer Publishing Research Award (1998), the Eastern Nursing Research Society Gerontological Research Award (2008), and the Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award (2013). Sullivan-Marx is recognized as a Distinguished Alumni at both the University of Rochester School of Nursing, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, and Outstanding Alumna University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. In 2019, she was the recipient of a Special Tribute from the United Hospital Fund and in 2023 was awarded as a Gold Medalist Winner by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation. She was inducted into the Fellowship of Leaders in Diversity Nursing in 2024 through the National Black Nurses Association.

Dr. Sullivan-Marx was a member of the American Academy of Nursing Board of Directors (2011-2013) and served as President (2019-2021) leading this international nursing professional organization through the recent social justice and pandemic upheavals. She has appeared in numerous media outlets and currently hosts The Nurse Practitioner Show on NYULH Doctor Radio Sirius XM Channel 110.

PhD in Gerontology, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
MS in Family Health Nurse Clinicial, University of Rochester School of Nursing
BSN, University of Pennsylvania
Nursing Diploma, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

Gerontology
Global
Health Policy
Home care

American Nurses Association
American Nurses Association, Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science, ANA-New York
Eastern Nursing Research Society
Gerontological Society of America
Fellow, Institute on Aging, University of Pennsylvania
Senior Fellow, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics University of Pennsylvania
Sigma Theta Tau, Xi Upsilon Chapter

Faculty Honors Awards

Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award (2023)
American Academy of Nursing President's Award (2023)
Top 50 Health Care Leaders, Irish America Magazine (2019)
United Hospital Fund Special Tribute (2019)
VillageCare Distinguished Service Award (2016)
American Academy of Nursing President's Award (2016)
Herman Briggs Society, NY (2013)
Fellow, Gerontological Society of America (2013)
Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award, Gerontological Society of America (2013)
Research Associate, Penn Institute for Urban Research University of Pennsylvania (2012)
American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner Designation (2012)
Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine (2012)
Distinguished Alumni Award, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing (2011)
Marie Hippensteel Lingeman Award for Excellence in Nursing Practice, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society (2011)
Dean’s Professional Practice Award, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing (2011)
American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner Designation (2011)
Health and Aging Fellowship, American Political Science Association (2011)
Board Member, American Academy of Nursing (2011)
Health and Aging Fellowship, American Political Science Association (2010)
American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner Designation (2010)
Legislative Award, Pennsylvania State Nurses Association Advocacy (2010)
Faculty Fellow, Penn Institute for Urban Research (2009)
American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner Designation (2009)
Eastern Nursing Research Society, The John A. Hartford Foundation Geriatric Research Award (2008)
American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner Designation (2008)
American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner Designation (2007)
American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner Designation (2006)
Society of Primary Care Policy Fellows (2004)
Department of Health & Human Services Primary Care Health Policy Fellowship (2004)
Undergraduate Student Advising Award, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing (2002)
Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Rochester, School of Nursing (2001)
Society for Advancement of Nursing Science (2000)
Springer Publishing Company Research Award for most outstanding project, “Relative Work Values of Nurse Practitioner Services,” American Nurses Association Council for Nursing Research 1998 Research Utilization Conference (1998)
Sigma Theta Tau International Best of Image Award for scholarly excellence in research, "Functional Status Outcomes of a Nursing Intervention in Hospitalized Elderly" (1993)
Ethel F. Lord Fellowship, Soroptomist Organization scholarship for graduate study in field of gerontology (1993)
Nursing Practice Award, Pennsylvania Nurses' Association (1986)
Louise Wilson Haller Memorial Prize for Excellence in Professional Nursing, University of Rochester, School of Nursing (1980)
fellow, American Academy of Nursing

Publications

Delirium in older patients in surgical intensive care units

Balas, M. C., Deutschman, C. S., Sullivan-Marx, E. M., Strumpf, N. E., Alston, R. P., & Richmond, T. S. (2007). (Vols. 39, Issues 2, pp. 147-154). 10.1111/j.1547-5069.2007.00160.x
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: To examine the frequency and course of delirium in older adults admitted to a surgical intensive care unit (SICU). Design and Methods: Prospective, observational cohort study of 114 English-speaking participants and their surrogates, aged 65 and older, admitted to an SICU, and managed by a surgical critical care service. Chart reviews and surrogate interviews were conducted within 24 hours of SICU admission to collect information regarding evidence of dementia using the short form of the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly. Participants were also screened for delirium daily throughout their hospitalization with either the Confusion Assessment Method-ICU (CAM-ICU) while in the SICU or the CAM while on medical/surgical units. Results: In this population of older adults, 18.4% had evidence of dementia on admission to the SICU. Few older adults (2.6%) were admitted to the hospital with evidence of preexisting delirium, but 28.3% developed delirium in the SICU and 22.7% during the post-SICU period. A total of 52 of 114 (45.6%) participants were delirious sometime during their hospital stay or 24 hours before hospital admission. Episodes of deep sedation and nonarousal were uncommon, occurring in only 9.7% of the sample. Conclusions: Older adults admitted to SICUs were at high risk for developing delirium during hospitalization. Further research is needed to elucidate the risk factors for, and outcomes of, delirium in this uniquely vulnerable population.

The frequency and course of delirium in older surgical intensive care unit patients

Balas, M. C., Deutschman, C. S., Sullivan-Marx, E. M., Alston, R. P., Strumpf, N. E., & Richmond, T. S. (2007). (Vols. 39, pp. 147-154).
Abstract
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Aging is a human experience of courage and human development

Sullivan-Marx, E. M., & Gueldner, S. H. (2006). (Vols. 22, Issues 2, pp. 71-72). 10.1016/j.profnurs.2006.01.009
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Art Therapy : Using the Creative Process for Healing and Hope Among African American Older Adults

Johnson, C. M., & Sullivan-Marx, E. M. (2006). (Vols. 27, Issues 5, pp. 309-316). 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2006.08.010
Abstract
Abstract
This article provides an introduction to the field of art therapy and the potential it can offer to address the emotional needs of the frail elderly. Two case studies are discussed, and examples of artwork are provided. The case studies and artwork were created under the guidance of an art therapist at a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) site in an urban African American community. This article explores how art making addresses the specific developmental tasks of the elderly in a culturally competent manner. Included are practical considerations in the choice of art media and directives for working with elderly clients, as well as resources for further information on the use of art in therapy.

Best practice initiatives in geriatric nursing : Experiences from the John A. Hartford Foundation Centers of Geriatric Nursing Excellence

Harvath, T. A., Beck, C., Flaherty-Robb, M., Hartz, C. H., Specht, J., Sullivan-Marx, E. M., & Archbold, P. (2006). (Vols. 54, Issues 4, pp. 212-218). 10.1016/j.outlook.2006.05.002
Abstract
Abstract
Four of the five John A. Hartford Foundation Centers of Geriatric Nursing Excellence (HCGNEs) have been involved in efforts designed to improve the quality of nursing care to older adults through evidence-based Best Practice Initiatives. This article describes the important role these initiatives play in building academic geriatric nursing capacity. Building on the work of other nurse researchers, these projects attend to organizational and individual aspects of change theory, the scientific basis for practice innovations, and the role of expert consultation to support change. Best practice examples from the HCGNE demonstrate how the science involved in translating research into gerontological nursing practice has evolved, creating important educational opportunities for nursing students at all levels. In order to build academic geriatric nursing capacity, it is essential that schools of nursing help undergraduate and advanced practice nursing students develop an appreciation for how research and education can improve the care of older adults.

Directions for the development of nursing knowledge

Sullivan-Marx, E. M. (2006). (Vols. 7, Issues 3, pp. 164-168). 10.1177/1527154406294185
Abstract
Abstract
Nurses and health care increasingly are embracing and guided by achievements and challenges of evidence-based practice and reflective practice. Nursing science advances have positioned nurses to move forward in the development of science. New directions for nursing knowledge need to emerge in several ways including the development of interdisciplinary knowledge, emphasis on the nursing care process, creation of new workforce patterns, and development of economic theories of nursing practice.

Successful recruiting into geriatric nursing : The experience of the John A. Hartford Foundation Centers of Geriatric Nursing Excellence

Mackin, L. A., Kayser-Jones, J., Franklin, P. D., Evans, L. K., Sullivan-Marx, E. M., Herr, K. A., Swanson, E. A., Lubin, S. A., & Messecar, D. C. (2006). (Vols. 54, Issues 4, pp. 197-203). 10.1016/j.outlook.2006.05.009
Abstract
Abstract
The overall goal of the John A. Hartford Foundation Centers of Geriatric Nursing Excellence (HCGNE or Center) program is to build academic geriatric nursing capacity. Thus, a key component of the program is to increase enrollment into geriatric nursing programs at the master's and doctoral levels. The Centers successfully utilized a variety of recruitment strategies targeting prospective students who expressed an interest in geriatric nursing. These included exemplary use of media resources; participation in local, regional, and national recruiting events; establishing and maintaining personal contact with prospective students; garnering financial support; and curricular enhancements including new course/program offerings designed to meet specific needs. The aggregate outcome of the HCGNE student recruitment activities has been to enlist large cohorts of motivated and gifted students into graduate programs in geriatric nursing.

Functional outcomes for older adults with cognitive impairment in a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility

Yu, F., Evans, L. K., & Sullivan-Marx, E. M. (2005). (Vols. 53, Issues 9, pp. 1599-1606). 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2005.53453.x
Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to examine functional outcomes of a nurse-managed, community-based Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF) for frail older adults and to compare the outcomes between two groups: older adults with cognitive impairment and those with intact cognition. A retrospective cohort design using healthcare record abstraction was used for the study. Two hundred and one older adults who were admitted to the CORF from the end of 1997 to early 1999 were included in the study. Data were abstracted from healthcare records, including clinician-generated Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Functional Independence Measure scores from the healthcare records and investigator-constructed measures of functional gain, rehabilitation efficiency, days of service, and discharge location. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to compare rehabilitation outcomes between the two groups. Regardless of cognitive status, all subjects improved significantly in their levels of functional dependence through participating in this outpatient rehabilitation program (P

Practice Patterns and Potential Solutions to the Shortage of Providers of Older Adult Mental Health Services

Hanrahan, N. P., & Sullivan-Marx, E. M. (2005). (Vols. 6, Issues 3, pp. 236-245). 10.1177/1527154405279195
Abstract
Abstract
Little is known about the contribution of advanced practice nurses (APNs) to the mental health care of older adults. This study describes mental health services to older adults by APNs compared with primary care physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. The study uses a retrospective, cross-sectional design with a 5% national sample of 1999 Medicare outpatient claims. Bivariate statistics and multinomial logit models were used to determine differences among these mental health providers. A small proportion of the nationally available providers (10.4%) submitted claims for mental health services rendered to older adults. APNs, psychiatrists, and primary care physicians care for a disproportionate number of rural and poor older adults with complex medical/psychiatric needs compared with psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. APNs seem to be an untapped resource for providing mental health services to older adults. Health policy reform is needed to remove barriers to meet mental health care needs.

Physical restraint among hospitalized nursing home residents : Predictors and outcomes

Sullivan-Marx, E. M., Kurlowicz, L. H., Maislin, G., & Carson, J. L. (2002). (Vols. 24, Issue 1-2, pp. 85-101). 10.1300/J018v24n01_07
Abstract
Abstract
We examined physical restraint use among 1856 nursing home residents hospitalized with hip fracture using a data set of hip fracture patients in 20 U. S. hospitals from 1983-1993. Mean age of patients was 85.2 years, 81.7% were women, and 91.3% were white. Rate of physical restraint use was 59.4%. Pre-operative physical restraint use was predicted by younger age, confusion, dementia, and needing assistance or dependency in activities of daily living (ADL). Physical restraint use following surgery was predicted by pre-operative physical restraint use, confusion, dementia, and lower co-morbidity of illness. At hospital discharge, restrained patients were more likely to be dependent in ADL and continence. The reduction of physical restraints among hospitalized nursing home residents will require attention to a multiplicity of factors that contribute to restraint use.

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