Jasmine Altizer

Faculty

Jasmine Travers Headshot

Jasmine Altizer

AGPCNP-BC CCRN PhD RN

Assistant Professor

1 212 992 7147

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Accepting PhD students

Jasmine L. Travers is an assistant professor of nursing at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Her career is dedicated to designing and conducting research to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities in vulnerable older adult groups using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Her current work focuses on mitigating disparities in appropriate access and use of in-home and facility-based long-term care for older adults (i.e., home & community-based settings, nursing homes, and assisted living). Currently, Travers is the principal investigator of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation four-year Career Development Award through the Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program which she is examining the association of neighborhood disadvantage with nursing home outcomes using large-scale nursing home data and a Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leader five-year K76 Award through the National Institute on Aging which in this mixed-method study she will develop a survey instrument aimed to identify unmet needs that are disproportionately driving avoidable nursing home placements. Most recently, Travers served on the National Academies of Science Engineering and Medicine Committee on the Quality of Care in Nursing Homes which on April 6, 2022, released the widely anticipated report titled, The National Imperative to Improve Nursing Home Quality.

Travers has published widely on the topics of aging, long-term care, health disparities and inequities, workforce diversity and workforce issues, vaccinations, and infections. She has presented her work at regional and national health services research, gerontological, nursing, and public health conferences.

Prior to joining the faculty at NYU, Travers completed a postdoctoral fellowship with the National Clinician Scholars Program at Yale University and a T32-funded postdoctoral fellowship at the New Courtland Center for Transitions and Health at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.

Travers received her Ph.D. at Columbia University School of Nursing, MHS at Yale University, MSN in Adult-Gerontological Health at Stony Brook University, and BSN at Adelphi University.

PhD, Columbia University
MSN, Stony Brook University
MHS, Yale University
BSN, Adelphi University

Gerontology
Underserved populations

Eastern Nursing Research Society
American Geriatrics Society
Gerontological Society of America
Academy Health

Rising Star Research Award, Eastern Nursing Research Society (2022)
Health in Aging Foundation New Investigator Award, American Geriatrics Society (2022)
Committee Member, Committee on the Quality of Care in Nursing Homes, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2020)
Scholar, National Clinician Scholars Program, Yale University (2020)
Early Career Alumni Award: Emerging Nurse Leader, Columbia University (2020)
Jonas Policy Scholar, American Academy of Nursing, Jonas Center for Nursing and Veterans Healthcare (2019)
Douglas Holmes Emerging Scholar Paper Award, Gerontological Society of America (2018)
Dean’s Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Pennsylvania Vice Provost Office (2018)
Associate Fellow, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania (2018)
Awardee, 10 Under 10 Young Alumni Recognition, Adelphi University (2018)
Jonas Nurse Leader Scholar, Jonas Center for Nursing and Veterans Healthcare (2016)
Pre-Dissertation Student Research Award, The Behavioral & Social Sciences Section of The Gerontological Society of America (2016)

Engaging Nursing Assistants to Enhance Receptivity to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine

Sadarangani, T. R., David, D., & Travers, J. (2021). Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 22(6), 1125-1127. 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.03.016

Factors Associated with Dissatisfaction in Medical Care Quality among Older Medicare Beneficiaries Suffering from Mental Illness

Travers, J. L., Le, C., Desai, M. M., & Merrill, J. A. (2021). Journal of Aging and Social Policy, 33(1), 51-66. 10.1080/08959420.2019.1628624
Abstract
Abstract
Approximately 25% of US older adults live with a mental health disorder. The mental health needs of this population are chiefly met by primary care providers. Primary care practices may have inadequate strategies to provide satisfactory care to mentally ill older adults. This study used Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data to identify factors, including racial/ethnic differences, associated with dissatisfaction with medical care quality among older adults diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Our findings suggest factors that can be addressed to improve satisfaction with medical care quality and potentially promote adherence and follow-up for mentally ill older adults.

Hospital Magnet Status Associates with Inpatient Safety in Parkinson Disease

Aamodt, W. W., Travers, J., Thibault, D., & Willis, A. W. (2021). Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 53(3), 116-122. 10.1097/JNN.0000000000000582
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Persons with Parkinson disease (PD) have complex care needs that may benefit from enhanced nursing care provided in Magnet-designated hospitals. Our primary objective was to determine whether an association exists between hospital Magnet status and patient safety events for PD inpatients in the United States. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality databases from 2000 to 2010. Parkinson disease diagnosis and demographic variables were retrieved, along with Magnet designation and other hospital characteristics. Inpatient mortality and preventable adverse events in hospitals with and without Magnet status were then compared using relevant Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality patient safety indicators. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2010, 493 760 hospitalizations among PD patients were identified. Of those, 40 121 (8.1%) occurred at one of 389 Magnet hospitals. When comparing PD patients in Magnet versus non-Magnet hospitals, demographic characteristics were similar. Multivariate regression models adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics identified a 21% reduction in mortality among PD inpatients in Magnet hospitals (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-0.85). PD inpatients in Magnet hospitals also had a lower odds of experiencing any patient safety indicator (AOR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.68-0.79), pressure ulcers (AOR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.55-0.67), death from a low mortality condition (AOR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.68-0.79), and a higher odds of postoperative bleeding (AOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.04-2.04). CONCLUSIONS: PD patients had a reduced risk of inpatient mortality and several nursing-sensitive patient safety events, highlighting the possible benefits of Magnet status on inpatient safety in PD.

The Lived Experience of Being Diagnosed With COVID-19 Among Black Patients: A Qualitative Study

Aliyu, S., Travers, J. L., Norful, A. A., Clarke, M., & Schroeder, K. (2021). Journal of Patient Experience, 8. 10.1177/2374373521996963
Abstract
Abstract
Diagnosis and hospitalization for COVID-19 are disproportionately higher among black persons. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of being diagnosed with COVID-19 among black patients. Semistructured one-on-one interviews with black patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were conducted. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis and a directed content approach. Fifteen patients participated and 3 themes were identified: Panic amidst a COVID-19 diagnosis, Feeling the repercussion of the diagnosis, and Personal assessment of risks within one’s individual environment. Fear of dying, inadequate health benefits, financial issues, and worries about spreading the virus to loved ones were acknowledged by the patients as critical areas of concerns. Majority of the patients looked to God as the ultimate way of surviving COVID-19. However, none of the patients reported receiving support for spiritual needs from health care providers. This is the first study to investigate the lived experience of being diagnosed with COVID-19 among black patients. Our results highlight several factors that put this group at increased risk for COVID-19 and where additional strategies are needed to address these inadequacies. Integrating public health interventions to reduce socioeconomic barriers and integrating spirituality into clinical care could improve patient care delivery.

Nurses should oppose police violence and unjust policing in healthcare

Jeffers, K. S., Siddiq, H., Martinez-Hollingsworth, A. S., Aronowitz, S. V., Sinko, L., Travers, J. L., Tolentino, D. A., Burns, J., Bell, S. A., Beck, D. C., Gutierrez, J. I., Bulgin, D., Manges, K. A., Mansfield, L. N., Bettencourt, A. P., Jun, J., Fauer, A. J., Lipsky, R. K., Adynski, G. I., & Choi, K. R. (2021). International Journal of Nursing Studies, 117. 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103735

The powder keg: Lessons learned about clinical staff preparedness during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Aliyu, S., Norful, A. A., Schroeder, K., Odlum, M., Glica, B., & Travers, J. L. (2021). American Journal of Infection Control, 49(4), 478-483. 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.10.014
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Little is known about clinical staff's perspectives on preparedness for a pandemic. The purpose of this study was to obtain various clinical staff perspectives about preparedness to meet the demands for care during the early phase of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using semistructured in-person interviews from March 2020 to April 2020 at a large tertiary academic urban hospital center. Interview guides were informed by the Resilience Framework for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and analyzed using a directed content analysis approach. Results: Fifty-five clinical staff participated in the study. Three themes emerged from the data (1) Risk assessment and planning: “The powder keg,” (2) Innovative evolution of roles and responsibilities, and (3) Pandemic response and capacity. In the early phases of the pandemic, participants reported varying levels of risks for dying. However, most participants adapted to practice changes and became innovative in their roles over time. Hierarchies were less relevant during care delivery, whereas team collaboration became crucial in managing workforce capacity. Discussion: As the pandemic progressed, staff preparedness evolved through a trial-and-error approach. Conclusions: The pandemic is evolving as is clinical staff preparedness to meet the demands of a pandemic. In order to get a grasp on the crisis, clinical staff relied on each other and resorted to new workarounds.

Primary drivers and psychological manifestations of stress in frontline healthcare workforce during the initial COVID-19 outbreak in the United States

Norful, A. A., Rosenfeld, A., Schroeder, K., Travers, J. L., & Aliyu, S. (2021). General Hospital Psychiatry, 69, 20-26. 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2021.01.001
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to understand the physical and psychological impact of high stress clinical environments and contributory factors of burnout in multidisciplinary healthcare workforce during the initial outbreak of COVID-19. Method: In-person qualitative interviews informed by an adaptation of Karasek's Job Demand-control model were conducted with a convenience sample of healthcare workforce from March to April 2020. Results: Themes emerging from interviews coalesced around three main areas: fear of uncertainty, physical and psychological manifestations of stress, and resilience building. Shifting information, a lack of PPE, and fear of infecting others prompted worry for those working with Covid-infected patients. Participants reported that stress manifested more psychologically than physically. Individualized stress mitigation efforts, social media and organizational transparency were reported by healthcare workers to be effective against rising stressors. Conclusion: COVID-19 has presented healthcare workforce with unprecedented challenges in their work environment. With attention to understanding stressors and supporting clinicians during healthcare emergencies, more research is necessary in order to effectively promote healthcare workforce well-being.

Adapting Andersen's expanded behavioral model of health services use to include older adults receiving long-term services and supports

Travers, J. L., Hirschman, K. B., & Naylor, M. D. (2020). BMC Geriatrics, 20(1), 58. 10.1186/s12877-019-1405-7
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Andersen's Expanded Behavioral Model of Health Services Use describes factors associated with the use of long-term services and supports (LTSS). This model, however, has only been tested on the intent to use such services among African-American and White older adults and not the actual use. Given the increasing diversity of older adults in the U.S., the ability to conceptualize factors associated with actual use of LTSS across racial/ethnic groups is critical. Methods: We applied Andersen's Expanded model in the analysis of 2006-2010 qualitative data using multiple methods to understand both the relevancy of factors for older adults who currently use LTSS vs. those who intend to use LTSS (as described in Andersen's original exploration). We additionally explored differences in these factors across racial/ethnic groups and included Hispanic older adults in our analyses. Results: Four additional constructs linked with actual LTSS use emerged: losses and changes, tangible support, capability to provide informal support, and accessibility of informal support. Racial differences were seen in level of participation in decisions to use nursing home services (Not involved: 45% African-Americans vs. 24% Whites). Reports of LTSS use to avoid burdening one's family were greater among White older adults compared to African-American older adults. Conclusions: Findings around decision-making and burden along with other constructs enhance our understanding of determinants that influence actual LTSS use and require targeted interventions.

Exploring social-based discrimination among nursing home certified nursing assistants

Travers, J. L., Teitelman, A. M., Jenkins, K. A., & Castle, N. G. (2020). Nursing Inquiry, 27(1). 10.1111/nin.12315
Abstract
Abstract
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide the majority of direct care to nursing home residents in the United States and, therefore, are keys to ensuring optimal health outcomes for this frail older adult population. These diverse direct care workers, however, are often not recognized for their important contributions to older adult care and are subjected to poor working conditions. It is probable that social-based discrimination lies at the core of poor treatment toward CNAs. This review uses perspectives from critical social theory to explore the phenomenon of social-based discrimination toward CNAs that may originate from social order, power, and culture. Understanding manifestations of social-based discrimination in nursing homes is critical to creating solutions for severe disparity problems among perceived lower-class workers and subsequently improving resident care delivery.

Factors Associated With Perceived Worsened Physical Health Among Older Adults Who Are Newly Enrolled Long-term Services and Supports Recipients

Travers, J. L., Hirschman, K. B., Hanlon, A. L., Huang, L., & Naylor, M. D. (2020). Inquiry (United States), 57. 10.1177/0046958019900835
Abstract
Abstract
Limited information exists on the perceived health of older adults new to receiving long-term services and supports (LTSS) compared with the year prior, posing challenges to the anticipation of health care need and optimization of wellness efforts for this growing population. In response, we sought to identify differences in perceived worsened physical health across three LTSS types (nursing home, assisted living, and home and community-based services) along with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) characteristics associated with older adults’ ratings of perceived worsened physical health at the start of receiving LTSS. Enrolled LTSS recipients completed a single interview assessing their HRQoL. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations in LTSS types and HRQoL characteristics with perceived worsened physical health among older adults (≥60 years old) since 1 year prior to study enrollment. Among the 467 LTSS recipients, perceived physical health was rated as worse than the previous year by 36%. Bivariate analyses revealed no differences in perceived worsened physical health across LTSS types. In adjusted analyses, religiousness/spirituality and better mental and general health perception had a decreased odds of being associated with perceived worsened physical health (P <.05). Participants with major changes in their health in the past 6 months were more likely to report perceived worsened physical health (P <.001). Findings provide information that may be used to target efforts to enhance perceived physical health and improve quality of life among LTSS enrollees.