John Merriman

Faculty

John Merriman Headshot

John Merriman

PhD RN AOCNS

Assistant Professor

1 212 998 5375

433 First Ave
New York, NY 10010
United States

Accepting PhD students

John Merriman's additional information

John Merriman, PhD, RN, AOCNS, is an assistant professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. His primary research interest is improving cognitive function in postmenopausal women with breast cancer using stress management. He is particularly interested in how multiple determinants of health, including biobehavioral and social determinants, impact the efficacy of stress management interventions in this population.

His recent study was funded by a K99/R00 award from the National Institute of Nursing Research (NR015473). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, contrasting it with a health enhancement program, on cognitive function in postmenopausal women undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer.

Prof. Merriman is President of the International Society of Nurses in Genetics. Before joining NYU, he completed postdoctoral training at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, and his PhD and MS in Nursing from the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing.

PhD, Nursing - University of California San Francisco
MS, Nursing - University of California San Francisco
BS, Communication - Mississippi College

Chronic disease
Complementary/integrative health

American Nurses Association
Eastern Nursing Research Society
International Society of Nurses in Genetics
Oncology Nursing Society
Sigma Theta Tau International

Faculty Honors Awards

Postdoctoral Alumni Award, University of Pittsburgh Postdoctoral Association (2016)
International inductee, Sigma Theta Tau (2006)

Publications

Role function in postmenopausal women during aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer

Melnyk, H., Vaughan Dickson, V., Bender, C., Yu, G., Djukic, M., & Merriman, J. (2024). Journal of Cancer Survivorship. 10.1007/s11764-024-01697-x
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: Few studies have examined aromatase inhibitor therapy relating to role function in breast cancer survivors of working age. Our study sought to identify how pre-therapy sociodemographic and health/treatment-related characteristics, as well as patient-reported symptoms measured every six-months, influence role function during 18 months of AI therapy for early-stage breast cancer. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of longitudinal study data using linear mixed-effects modeling to examine role physical (RP) and role emotional (RE) functioning measured with the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 v2. The sample of postmenopausal women (N = 351) consisted of three cohorts: chemotherapy followed by anastrozole (CFAI), anastrozole only (AI only), and non-cancer controls. Our choice of variables and interpretation of findings was theoretically based on the Cancer Survivorship and Work Model. Stepwise backward deletion determined which predictors to include in the final model, accounting for treatment group. Results: Both treatment groups were associated with greater limitations in RP functioning than controls. CFAI had twice the impact on RP compared to AI only. While the RP model displayed significant predictors across sociodemographic, health/treatment, and symptom characteristics, only symptoms were associated with greater limitations in RE functioning. Findings were significant at p <.05. Conclusion: Transitioning from acute to extended survivorship is a critical juncture in which multiple factors place breast cancer survivors at risk of diminished role function. Implications for Cancer Survivors: Early interventions to address role function limitations during systemic treatment may lead to better work outcomes and improve the quality of long-term survivorship.

Complex Care Needs at the End of Life for Seriously Ill Adults With Multiple Chronic Conditions

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Multiple Chronic Conditions among Seriously Ill Adults Receiving Palliative Care

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Profiles of Work and Quality of Life among Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Ghazal, L. V., Merriman, J. D., Santacroce, S. J., Fletcher, J., Wright, F., & Dickson, V. V. (2023). Western Journal of Nursing Research, 45(4), 293-305. 10.1177/01939459221120742
Abstract
Abstract
Work ability, or the perception of one’s ability to work presently and in the future, may impact quality of life (QOL) among young adult (YA) cancer survivors. Through a convergent mixed methods design, we explored work ability, work-related goals, and QOL among YA hematologic cancer survivors within five years of diagnosis. We described associations at the individual- and microsystem (work)- levels; and compared factors across low and high work ability groups. Participants (N = 40) completed a survey and interview via digital platforms. Qualitative analysis revealed self-assessed declines in work ability led to questioning work-related goals and influenced QOL. Integrated analysis led to the development of four profiles, growing our understanding of work’s influence on QOL for YA cancer survivors, and identifying components YAs considered when contemplating work-related goals after a cancer diagnosis. Larger studies are needed to elucidate these profiles and identify modifiable factors to inform targeted interventions to improve QOL.

Exploration of Relationships Between Symptoms, Work Characteristics, and Quality of Life in Young Adult Hematologic Cancer Survivors

Ghazal, L. V., Merriman, J. D., Santacroce, S. J., Fletcher, J., Wright, F., & Dickson, V. V. (2022). Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology, 11(5), 530-534. 10.1089/jayao.2021.0135
Abstract
Abstract
This study explores relationships between individual, microsystem (work) characteristics, and quality of life (QOL) among young adult (YA; ages 20-39 years at diagnosis) hematologic cancer survivors. Forty YAs who had completed cancer therapy within the past 5 years were recruited through social media and completed an online survey. Poorer QOL was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and poorer work ability and financial health (all p < 0.05). A comprehensive understanding of work characteristics, including work ability, may lead to multilevel interventions improving QOL. Future research should include larger, more diverse samples of YA cancer survivors.

"now Everybody Is Thinking about Things Like That." Young Adult Cancer Survivors Reimagining Work during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Ghazal, L. V., Santacroce, S. J., Merriman, J. D., & Dickson, V. V. (2022). Nursing Research, 71(2), 153-157. 10.1097/NNR.0000000000000567
Abstract
Abstract
Background Diagnosed between ages 20 and 39 years, young adult (YA) cancer survivors have faced disruption to their lives well before the COVID-19 pandemic. Often seen as an at-risk population within cancer survivors, YAs experience the demands of a serious illness, such as cancer, alongside meeting the typical milestones of young adulthood and often have worse quality of life than their noncancer peers. There is a need to further study the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on specific populations, including YA cancer survivors (YACS), as it relates to work. Objectives The aim of this study was to explore working YACS' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify facets of cancer survivorship that researchers can use to explore COVID-19 survivorship further. Methods Secondary thematic analysis of 40 semistructured, qualitative interviews conducted through Zoom audio during the COVID-19 pandemic. YA hematologic cancer survivors were recruited through social media; they were eligible if they had completed active therapy, were within 5 years of their diagnosis, and working at the time of diagnosis. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic content analysis. Results Themes surrounded COVID-19's influence on working YACS' experiences, with the overarching theme: "From solo to shared experience: A change in awareness and understanding."A subtheme was "Lesson reaffirmed: Reimagining the work environment."Discussion The consequences of COVID-19 on the overall quality of life for YACS are multilevel. Establishing the evidence for effective interventions to support YACS in the workplace, whether physical or virtual, is critically needed. Research is needed on YACS' risk and resilience factors that could ultimately impact future health and quality of life.

Financial Toxicity in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: A Concept Analysis

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An integrative review: Women’s psychosocial vulnerability in relation to paid work after a breast cancer diagnosis

Melnyk, H., Djukic, M., Merriman, J., & Vaughan Dickson, V. (2021). Journal of Advanced Nursing, 77(5), 2144-2154. 10.1111/jan.14730
Abstract
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this integrative review was to explore psychosocial vulnerabilities in women after a breast cancer diagnosis that are related to their paid work. Design: The review methodology was guided by Whittemore and Knafl. The Mehnert Cancer Survivorship and Work Model provided a lens through which to view vulnerability in working women with a focus on facilitating interventions to improve both recovery and work outcomes. Data Sources: PUBMED, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycNET databases were searched for English language papers published between January 2014–June 2020. Review Methods: Titles and abstracts were screened. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were then applied to full text screen of the remaining articles following PRISMA guidelines. Thirteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria were critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. A constant comparison approach was used to systematically distil findings into categories and assess their fit within the Mehnert Model subdomains. Results: Vulnerabilities coalesced predominantly within the following subdomains: (a) changes in identity and role functioning; (b) social reintegration; (c) coping strategies; and (d) social supports. Patterns and themes within these subdomains were related both positively and negatively to form the contours of a survivor's satisfaction/dissatisfaction with quality of life related to work and breast cancer recovery. Conclusion: Overall, findings highlight the importance of employment and work environments in bolstering women's psychosocial health after a breast cancer diagnosis. Impact: Findings from this review support adapting psychosocial distress screening to include vulnerabilities relating to work life. Nurses are ideally positioned to facilitate this screening and engage clinicians in a dialogue surrounding patient's support needs due to nursing's central role on the interdisciplinary team. Nurses may also foster collective accountability for implementing ongoing multidisciplinary survivorship care plans that include a return to work component.

Latent Class Analysis of Symptom Burden among Seriously Ill Adults at the End of Life

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Limb Volume Changes and Activities of Daily Living: A Prospective Study

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