Tina Sadarangani

Faculty

Tina Sadarangani headshot

Tina Sadarangani

PhD RN ANP-C GNP-BC

Assistant Professor

1 212 992 7183

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Accepting PhD students

Prof. Tina Sadarangani, PhD, RN, FAAN is an NYU Assistant Professor and a board-certified adult and geriatric nurse practitioner. Prof. Sadarangani is an NIH-funded clinician scientist over-seeing a research portfolio focused on improving care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. She has built a growing movement to help families, especially immigrant families, caring for a chronically ill person navigate a complex and fragmented healthcare system. Her work has impacted families and eldercare organizations nationwide.  Prof. Sadarangani’s expertise includes family caregivers, adult day care services, older adult nutrition, age-tech, and addressing the long-term care needs of ethnically diverse older adults.

With support from the National Institutes of Health, Prof. Sadarangani created an award-winning mobile app– CareMobiTM - out of her NYU lab that helps family members caring for a chronically ill loved one, particularly those with dementia, communicate around the day-to-day care of their loved ones. She is also the creator of The Enlightened Caregiver – a social media movement -  that empowers families with practical guidance on how to get optimal, not usual, healthcare for the people they love. 

Her research also innovatively positions adult day centers, which represent a growing but understudied sector of long-term care, as platforms for chronic disease management in underserved communities. A leader in using community-partnered research in adult day centers, her on-going collaborations with the National Adult Day Services Association and the California Association of Adult Day Services, have demonstrated that integrating adult day centers into the healthcare continuum contributes to reductions in avoidable healthcare utilization and person-centered care. She is also the nation's leading researcher focused on evaluating and improving nutrition programs in adult day centers.

Prof. Sadarangani has published extensively in peer-reviewed academic journals, including in the American Journal of Public Health and the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. She has been featured in the New York Times, Associated Press, US News and World Report, among several other major media outlets. She has been recognized as a Woman of Distinction/Rising Star in Long-Term Care and recently recognized by Crain’s New York Business as a Notable Leader in Healthcare. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, the Gerontological Society of America, and the New York Academy of Medicine.

 

PhD - New York University
MS - University of Pennsylvania
BSN - New York University
BA - Georgetown University

Gerontology
Immigrants
Health Policy
Chronic disease
Underserved populations
Vulnerable & marginalized populations
Health Services Research

American Gerontological Society
American Heart Association
National Gerontological Nurses Association
Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society

Rising Star Award, National Institute on Aging (NIA), American Geriatrics Society (AGS), Advancing Geriatrics Infrastructure and Network Growth (AGING) Initiative and Alzheimer's Diagnosis in older Adults with Chronic Conditions (ADACC) Network, &quot (2025)
Top 10% of Most-Viewed Papers Published in 2023, Journal of Clinical Nursing, The relationship between nurse burnout, missed nursing care, and care quality following COVID‐19 pandemic (2025)
Alumni Nursing Exemplar, Georgetown University School of Nursing, New York, NY. (2025)
NYU Meyers Dean's Excellence in Research Award for Senior Faculty - recognizes full-time faculty who have engaged in research that contributes to the development of new scientific knowledge, or advances in nursing practice or education (2025)
Fellowship, New York Academy of Medicine, New York, NY (2024)
Fellowship (FAAN), American Academy of Nursing, Washington, DC (2024)
Gold Medal Winner, CareMobi: Connecting Families and Day Centers. McKnight’s Long-term Care Technology Awards, Keep It Super Simple Category. New York, NY. (2024)
Fellow Status (FGSA), Gerontological Society of America, Seattle, WA. (2024)
UBS x Luminary Fellow, Supporting Women of Color Founders, New York, NY (2024)
Luminary Award, National Indian Nurse Practitioners Association of America 7 th Nursing Conference. Suffern, NY. (2024)
Judge’s Award for Best Fast Pitch, 2023 National Institute on Aging Start-up Challenge “Shark Tank” Competition, Las Vegas, NV (2023)
Faculty Scholar, National Institute on Aging IMPACT Collaboratory, Bethesda, MD (2023)
Finalist, National Institute on Aging 2023 Start-up Challenge, Bethesda, MD (2023)
Top 10 Reviewer Award - Research in Gerontological Nursing (2023)
Faculty Scholar, National Institute on Aging IMPACT Collaboratory, Bethesda, MD (2022)
Woman of Distinction (Rising Star), McKnight’s Long-Term Care, New York, NY (2021)
Faculty Scholar, National Institute on Aging IMPACT Collaboratory, Bethesda, MD (2021)
Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, New York University (2019)
Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, New York University (2018)
Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, New York University (2017)
Valedictorian, New York University (2017)
Hermann Biggs Health Policy Scholar, Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation (2017)
Hermann Biggs Health Policy Scholar, Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation (2016)
Doctoral Audience Choice Winner, New York University (2016)
Research Podium Presentation Award, Gerontology Advanced Practice Nurses Association (2016)
Patricia G. Archbold Award, National Hartford Centers for Gerontological Nursing Excellence (2016)
Hillman Alumni Network Innovation Fellowship, Hillman Alumni Network (2016)
Patricia G. Archbold Award, National Hartford Centers for Gerontological Nursing Excellence (2015)
Patricia G. Archbold Award, National Hartford Centers for Gerontological Nursing Excellence (2014)
Spirit of Hillman Award, Hillman Alumni Network (2014)
Phi Beta Kappa, Georgetown University
Summa Cum Laude, Georgetown University

Successes and Shortcomings of COVID-19 Vaccine Access for Older Americans

Travers, J., Sadarangani, T., & David, D. (2024). Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(9), 12-17. 10.3928/00989134-20240809-04
Abstract
Abstract
PURPOSE: To understand perceived facilitators and barriers older adults experienced in accessing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. METHOD: An electronic survey was distributed to older adults and those familiar with experiences of older adults accessing COVID-19 vaccines. Analysis included descriptive statistics and directed content analysis of open-ended responses, guided by the National Institute on Aging Health Disparities Research Framework. RESULTS: Most participants (n = 294) identified as White (79.5%), 33.8% identified as Hispanic, 8.1% identified as Black, and 12.4% identified as Other. Two thirds of respondents were male (68.6%), and the median age was 67 years. Five key themes emerged: Availability and Accessibility, Information, Cost, Safety and Side Effects, and Sense of Security. CONCLUSION: Barriers and facilitators to accessing COVID-19 vaccines for older populations paralleled those seen in other demographics. Similar needs likely exist for access to other vaccines and health care in general. Vaccine rollouts, particularly in public health emergencies, must be carried out with care and an awareness of the barriers faced by vulnerable groups.

Using mHealth to Improve Communication in Adult Day Services Around the Needs of People With Dementia: Mixed Methods Assessment of Acceptability and Feasibility

Zheng, A., Bergh, M., Murali, K. P., & Sadarangani, T. (2024). JMIR Formative Research, 8, 1-13. 10.2196/49492
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Adult day services (ADS) provide community-based health care for older adults with complex chronic conditions but rely on outdated methods for communicating users’ health information with providers. CareMOBI, a novel mobile health (mHealth) app, was developed to address the need for a technological platform to improve bidirectional information exchange and communication between the ADS setting and providers. Objective: This study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of CareMOBI in the ADS setting. Methods: A concurrent-triangulation mixed methods design was used, and participants were client-facing ADS staff members, including direct care workers (paid caregivers), nurses, and social workers. Interviews were conducted to describe barriers and facilitators to the adoption of the CareMOBI app. The acceptability of the app was measured using an adapted version of the Technology Acceptance Model questionnaire. Data were integrated into 4 themes as anchors of an informational matrix: ease of use, clinical value, fit within workflow, and likelihood of adoption. Results: A mix of ADS staff (N=22) participated in the study. Participants reported high levels of acceptability across the 4 domains. Qualitative findings corroborated the questionnaire results; participants viewed the app as useful and were likely to implement CareMOBI in their practice. However, participants expressed a need for proper training and technical support throughout the implementation process. Conclusions: The CareMOBI app has the potential to improve care management in the ADS setting by promoting effective communication through an easy-to-use and portable method. While the integration of CareMOBI is acceptable and feasible, developing role-specific training modules and technical assistance programs is imperative for successful implementation within the ADS setting.

Career development in pragmatic clinical trials to improve care for people living with dementia

Gabbard, J., Sadarangani, T. R., Datta, R., Fabius, C. D., Gettel, C. J., Douglas, N. F., Juckett, L. A., Kiselica, A. M., Murali, K. P., McCarthy, E. P., Torke, A. M., & Callahan, C. M. (2023). Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 71(11), 3554-3565. 10.1111/jgs.18599
Abstract
Abstract
The growing number of people living with dementia (PLWD) requires a coordinated clinical response to deliver pragmatic, evidence-based interventions in frontline care settings. However, infrastructure to support such a response is lacking. Moreover, there are too few researchers conducting rigorous embedded pragmatic clinical trials (ePCTs) to make the vision of high quality, widely accessible dementia care a reality. National Institute on Aging (NIA) Imbedded Pragmatic Alzheimer's disease and Related Dementias Clinical Trials (IMPACT) Collaboratory seeks to improve the pipeline of early career researchers qualified to lead ePCTs by funding career development awards. Even with support from the Collaboratory, awardees face practical and methodological challenges to success, recently exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We first describe the training opportunities and support network for the IMPACT CDA recipients. This report then describes the unique career development challenges faced by early-career researchers involved in ePCTs for dementia care. Topics addressed include challenges in establishing a laboratory, academic promotion, mentoring and professional development, and work-life balance. Concrete suggestions to address these challenges are offered for early-career investigators, their mentors, and their supporting institutions. While some of these challenges are faced by researchers in other fields, this report seeks to provide a roadmap for expanding the work of the IMPACT Collaboratory and initiating future efforts to recruit, train, and retain talented early-career researchers involved in ePCTs for dementia care.

Exploring the Relationship between Nurse Practitioner Full Practice Authority, Nurse Practitioner Workforce Diversity, and Disparate Primary Care Access

Plemmons, A., Shakya, S., Cato, K., Sadarangani, T., Poghosyan, L., & Timmons, E. (2023). Policy, Politics, and Nursing Practice, 24(1), 26-35. 10.1177/15271544221138047
Abstract
Abstract
In this study, we examine how full nurse practitioner (NP) practice authority affects racial and ethnic diversity of the NP workforce. Specifically, the purpose of our research is to understand the relationship between the racial and ethnic composition of the NP workforce, NP level of practice authority, and the communities they service. In this paper, we compare the ethnic and racial composition of the NP workforce to the composition of the state's population, and then observe if there are any noticeable differences in the patients served by NPs when we compare full practice authority (FPA) and non-FPA states. We also estimate how FPA affects the race and ethnicity of Medicare patients served by NPs.

Prioritizing Community-Based Care for People With Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Ethnically Diverse Communities The Time is Now

Murali, K. P., & Sadarangani, T. R. (2023). Research in Gerontological Nursing, 16(5), 214-216. 10.3928/19404921-20230906-01

The relationship between nurse burnout, missed nursing care, and care quality following COVID-19 pandemic

Nantsupawat, A., Wichaikhum, O. A., Abhicharttibutra, K., Sadarangani, T., & Poghosyan, L. (2023). Journal of Clinical Nursing, 32(15), 5076-5083. 10.1111/jocn.16761
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives: To determine the relationship between nurse burnout, missed nursing care, and care quality following the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: Quality of care and missed nursing care can be consequences of nurse burnout. Little is known about how these factors related to nurse burnout following the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: This study used a cross-sectional correlational design and was conducted in 12 general hospitals across Thailand from August to October 2022. Methods: 394 nurses providing direct nursing care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic completed the survey. The Emotional Exhaustion (EE) subscale of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), MISSCARE survey, and quality of care reported by nurses were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to analyse the data. Results: Approximately thirty-six percent of nurses had burnout following the COVID-19 pandemic. Missed nursing care was higher among nurses with burnout. Most participants reported illness/symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, a lack of concentration, and sleeping problems. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, every additional unit of emotional exhaustion was associated with 1.61 times higher odds of missed nursing care, 3.37 times higher odds of poor quality of nurse care, and 2.62 times higher odds of poor quality of care for the overall unit. Conclusion: The study findings demonstrate that burnout is associated with missed nursing care and poor quality of care following the COVID-19 pandemic. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Policymakers, hospital administrators, and nurse managers should invest in strategies to reduce nurse burnout, which can increase patient safety and quality of care.

Warning Signs of Acute Infectious Disease– Related Illness in Persons Living With Dementia Perspectives of Primary Care Providers, Adult Day Service Center Staff, and Family Care Partners

Omeally-Soto, S., Zhong, J., Boafo, J., Wu, B., Brody, A. A., Riffin, C., & Sadarangani, T. R. (2023). Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(5), 35-43. 10.3928/02793695-20220929-02
Abstract
Abstract
In the current study, we conducted one-on-one interviews with primary care providers (PCPs) and family care partners (FCPs) and held focus groups with interdis-ciplinary adult day service center (ADSC) staff to understand the perspectives of care providers across community settings regarding early warning signs of acute illnesses in persons living with dementia (PLWD). We used content analysis to analyze qualitative data. Warning signs of acute illnesses in PLWD fell into one of five categories, including new onset changes in (a) physical functions, (b) moods or be-haviors (psychological), (c) social interactions, (d) speech, or (e) appearance. FCPs (n = 11) focused on physical changes, whereas ADSC staff (n = 33) emphasized changes in speech and social interactions in addition to the other categories. Al-though ADSC staff and PCPs (n = 22) focused on changes in functions and moods, each group described these changes differently. ADSC staff possess rich information that can be used to identify acute changes in PLWD and describe a broader range of warning signs compared to PCPs and FCPs. FCPs may benefit from further training in distinguishing between normal disease progression and acute illness. Future research should focus on the implementation of standardized tools across community-based care providers to simplify the identification and reporting of early warning signs in PLWD.

What's next for Hospital at Home Programs in the United States: A clarion call for permanent, person-centered solutions

Brody, A. A., Dorfman, E., Caspers, C. G., & Sadarangani, T. R. (2023). Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 71(1), 11-14. 10.1111/jgs.18089

“The Sun Came Up Because You Got Here…”: A Qualitative Exploration of Person-Centered Care Strategies Used by Adult Day Care Centers to Manage Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Boafo, J., David, D., Wu, B., Brody, A. A., & Sadarangani, T. (2023). Journal of Applied Gerontology, 42(2), 147-159. 10.1177/07334648221128283
Abstract
Abstract
In order to reduce care partner strain and support aging in place for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD), adult day centers (ADCs) must manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The purpose of this paper is to identify person-centered care strategies used by center staff to manage BPSD. Six focus groups with center staff (n = 31) were conducted. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis guided by Kitwood’s conceptual approach to cultivating personhood in dementia care. Themes were identified and organized within Kitwood’s framework. The results demonstrate that staff incorporate evidence-based person-centered approaches to AD/ADRD care that align with Kitwood’s principles of comfort, attachment, inclusion, and identity. Staff individualize their approach to people with AD/ADRD within a group setting. They monitor, engage, socially stimulate, and, when needed, de-stimulate them. Centers are flexible social environments with underrecognized expertise managing BPSD using person-centered approaches.

Adult Day Services, Health Equity for Older Adults With Complex Needs, and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sadarangani, T. R., Gaugler, J. E., Dabelko-Schoeny, H., & Marx, K. A. (2022). American Journal of Public Health, 112(10), 1421-1428. 10.2105/AJPH.2022.306968
Abstract
Abstract
Morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 have unduly affected older adults from racial and ethnic minority groups. In this article, we highlight the experiences and vulnerabilities of diverse older adults with complex health and social needs when their access to vital, but overlooked, community-based adult day service centers (ADSCs) was abruptly cut off during a pandemic. Pandemic-related ADSC closures left vulnerable older adults and their care partners without essential daily support and services, such as health monitoring and socialization. However, the magnitude of the impact of ADSC closures on well-being, particularly among members of racial/ethnic minority groups, has yet to be measured with any form of "big data" because large-scale, nationally representative data sets consisting of participant-level information and outcomes associated with ADSC participation do not yet exist. Unmet needs of older adults resulting from pandemic-related ADSC closures are underrecognized because of a lack of systematic data collection, undermining efforts to achieve health equity. We call on ADSCs to link rigorous collection of racial and ethnic data to quality measures of access to equitable "age-friendly" care as a means of better supporting diverse community-dwelling older adults beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.