Leslie-Faith M Taub

Abstract

JAANP Fellow Dr. Leslie-Faith Morritt Taub, NYU Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Program Director, describes the emotional, political, and social impact of COVID-19 on one graduating cohort of nurse practitioner (NP) students at New York University and one incoming cohort of students. Through the lens of a seasoned professor she describes the changes to her teaching methods because she leads these students through the course work and clinical work required to take on the role of the NP in the midst of a global pandemic in the heart of New York City.

Abstract

Purpose: To highlight the importance of advanced practice nurses (APNs) becoming politically engaged as key to promoting the healthcare interests of patients, communities and the profession and to offer specific strategies on how to become politically competent. Data sources: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, CINAHL, PubMed. Conclusions: APNs must come to see political engagement as a professional obligation and health policy as something that they can shape rather than something that happens to them. Implications for practice: The overall goal of healthcare reform is the provision of quality, safe and cost-effective healthcare for all Americans. APNs are graduate prepared clinicians that focus on health and illness management and are strategically positioned to lead the way in shaping and implementing health policy priorities.

Abstract

The use of large healthcare databases may be of interest to nurse practitioners who wish to answer clinical questions. This column will provide information about access to selected large healthcare databases, requirements for statistical software, and the skills required to utilize these databases.

Abstract

To present a case study of a patient with multiple comorbid diseases who undergoes bariatric surgery. Data sources: Recent clinical and research articles, bariatric professional society guidelines, and government sources were culled to provide recommendations for the care of the person who chooses bariatric surgery as the treatment for the comorbid conditions of obesity, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Conclusions: As surgical management of obesity becomes more prevalent in an attempt to improve health-related quality of life, reduce mortality, and address the comorbidities that are prevalent in this population, nurse practitioners (NPs) need to understand what long-term management these patients will require. Implications for practice: NPs are primary care providers for patients with chronic diseases. It is likely that they will make referrals for this surgery and follow the patient after the procedure at some point. Knowledge of what the procedures involve, what changes to expect in the comorbid conditions, and what long-term monitoring and treatment should take place in the care of these patients will provide these patients with optimal care.